site.btaEcumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Visits Bulgaria

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Visits Bulgaria

Sofia, November 8 (BTA) - Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte jointly celebrated a liturgy dedicated to the Synaxis of Archangel Michael and the other Bodiless Powers on Sunday. The liturgy was held at the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia. Bartholomew is paying a visit to Bulgaria from November 7 to 10.

The Orthodox Bulgarian people were among the first to accept the glad tidings of the salvation in Christ, the Ecumenical Patriarch said in his speech. Since then, Christ has saved and blessed and bestowed abundant gifts to pious Orthodox Bulgaria and its people to this very day.

In his speech, Patriarch Neophyte pointed out that it is a double joy for the Holy Synod and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, as well as a high honour and a pleasant obligation to welcome Patriarch Bartholomew and the accompanying delegation in Bulgaria. This visit is yet another evidence of the centennial unity between the two churches.

At the end of the liturgy, Patriarch Neophyte presented the Ecumenical Patriarch with a patriarchal staff.

Later, Patriarch Bartholomew blessed children of policemen who have died in action and talented young people.