History

This Order was established by Ferdinand I following his accession to the throne of independent Bulgaria.

The Order was conferred upon notable foreign and Bulgarian public figures, Princes, and Sovereigns in recognition of humanitarian efforts that benefited Bulgarian society and served the world.

It was the highest ranking National Order within the Bulgarian award system until 1946. On December 13, 1950 the Order was redesigned and re-instituted by the People’s Republic of Bulgaria. Finally in 2003 the Order was founded as an official Order of Republic of Bulgaria.

The number of Bulgarian recipients was limited to 15.

The Order grades exist in a variety of sizes, forms, and compositions.

The Grand Master’s Collar was only worn by Bulgaria's Sovereign.

It is composed of 28 “flame” links, with 7 links decorated with Fleur-de-Lys, 14 links featuring Bulgarian lions, and 7 links with the cypher of Ferdinand I.