The Ministry of Defense replied that the organization of the water blessing ceremony traditionally held on Epiphany was done according to the state protocol. An inspection carried out by the Minister of Defense Todor Tagarev showed that the procedure was followed and the Speaker and Deputy Speakers of the National Assembly, as well as the entire composition of the Defense Commission, were invited. The omission regarding the chairmen of parliamentary groups was made due to a mistake by an expert from the ministry, who used an unupdated list, about which he himself informed the management and wished to resign from the position held.