site.btaPatriarch Daniil Leads First Divine Liturgy after Election

Patriarch Daniil lead his first Divine Liturgy as the head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church – Bulgarian Patriarchate (BOC-BP) at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky on Monday. The service, which honoured St. John of Rila the Miracle Worker and lasted for more than two hours, marked his first official duty following his election as Bulgarian Church Patriarch.

It coincided with the translation of the relics of St John of Rila to the Rila Monastery, which is commemorated each year on July 1. After being moved to Sredets, Hungary and the old Bulgarian capital Tarnovo over the ages, the holy relics were returned to the Rila Monastery on June 30, 1469. On the next day the first liturgy was served in the presence of the relics. July 1 is the third feast of St John of Rila. The other two are August 18, the day of his death, and October 19, when his relics were moved to Sredets.

"My heartfelt gratitude goes to my fellow hierarchs, representatives of the local Orthodox Churches, for their fraternal solidarity on this momentous day of electing the Primate of an autocephalous Church. Their presence and supportive prayers embody unity," Daniil said. "Our primary goal is to preserve the unity of the Church, as the Lord has commanded us, to strive to establish the peace of Christ in our hearts, and to walk in the way of salvation. [...] What we lack most today is love, brothers and sisters. Everyone is after their own interests, no one seeks Jesus Christ. Everyone strives to build their earthly home but neglects to prepare their soul for eternal life in heaven...," he continued.

Several dignitaries attended, including Vice President Iliana Iotova, former prime minister Galab Donev, and former president Georgi Parvanov. The Russian Ambassador, Eleonora Mitrofanova, also attended the event.

Patriarch Daniil addressed the media before the liturgy, emphasizing the need for unity within BOC. He highlighted the important role of the Patriarch of BOC in representing the unity of the Holy Synod and the congregation. Patriarch Daniil reiterated the Church's mission to reconcile divisions among the faithful.

Daniil of Vidin was elected as the Bulgarian Patriarch last Sunday. He secured 69 votes, against 66 for Metropolitan Grigory of Vratsa, with three ballots declared invalid. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky.