site.bta Wisdom of God Festival of Orthodox Art Opens in Sofia

The Wisdom of God festival of Orthodox art opened Monday at the  St. Sophia church in Sofia. In his opening remarks, Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil said that the festival has a role for the spiritual awakening of people.

It is the third edition of the festival.

The topics on its agenda include the need for spiritual literature its publication. "This is most relevant nowadays when a large share of young people are growing up in a culture of virtual communication, when information and emotions are consumed in a short time. And the soul becomes accustomed to such a communication: not with real persons, not having to pay attention, to reflect, to get in touch with the spiritual, with the thinking of other persons and thus to create such a culture of communication," said the Patriarch. In his words, "the most important and essential part in the virtue of man is communication with others, the creation of lasting relationships and of a calmness and peace in communication with other men". He argued that reading is one of the things that contributes to that is reading and contemplation, which form a person's character.

Another topic on the agenda is Orthodox icons and religious painting. Patrirach Daniil stressed the importance of educating people to appreciate religious art and its esthetics, and also to appreciate the life of saints and hold them up as a model to be followed.

The participants in the festival will also discuss work with children and theological education.

The St. Sophia choir performed on the opening day, conducted by Maria Ruseva.

The festival will showcase performances by Orthodox choirs, discussions on Christian art and book presentations. During the event, visitors will be able to browse and buy books from Orthodox publishers at a traditional book fair.

St. Sophia is an early Christian Orthodox church. According to historians, the church also has a great scientific importance as one of the oldest architectural monuments on the Balkan Peninsula. Today it is among the most significant architectural values preserved from the early Christian development of Southeastern Europe, with worldwide significance.

Bulgarian writer Ivan Vazov is buried on the church compound.