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 cross may be worn on a sash, or suspended from the Grand Master's Collar, the Grand Collar, and the Lesser Collar.

The obverse inscription which translates to "Light Coming from the East".

Some variations of the cross design include blue or white enamel on the cross arms, and the addition of diamonds and other brilliants.

The Cross (with brilliants) could be worn on golden chain around the neck of the recipient.

The cross could be worn suspended from the collar or on a sash.