site.btaPatriarch Daniil Officiates at Holy Liturgy, Delivers Sermon on Feast Day of St. Nicholas
Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil Friday officiated at a holy liturgy at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Nicholas of Myra in Vidin, on the Danube, on the occasion of the Feast Day of St. Nicholas. "Only when virtue is untinged by selfish motives does it bring true joy to the human heart and soul," the Patriarch said in his sermon.
"Virtue unites us with God. Countless are the miracles with which St. Nicholas to this day testifies that faith in God and a pious life stand higher than anything. May the Lord help us in our faith to do good without regret and selfishness, seeking to make God's divine justice truly known. Today, when many men lose direction in their lives, we again point to the example of St. Nicholas. And we affirm that devotion, as he and all the saints have shown us, is stronger than despair and faithlessness," said the Patriarch.
By tradition on this day a silver hanging votive candle in the form of a boat, donated by the Vidin goldsmiths was lighted, a ritual that has been observed for more than 150 years. The first candle was placed by Patriarch Daniil, followed by the Mayor of Vidin Municipality, Dr. Tsvetan Tsenkov, the Director of the Border Police General Directorate, Chief Commissioner Anton Zlatanov, and representatives of various professions.
A litya procession then headed for the central pontoon on the Danube, where a prayer service to St. Nicholas was held. Border police officers dipped a St. Nicholas icon into the river, after which seven floral wreaths were thrown in memory of the deceased sailors and fishermen. Patriarch Daniil blessed a fish soup sacrificial offering.
Traditionally, the celebrations are organized jointly by Vidin Municipality and Vidin Metropolitan Diocese.
The programme featured participants from the Smile with Us Association, folklore studio Severnyatsi, patriotic organizations and the Port of Vidin.
The feast of St. Nicholas was celebrated in churches and monasteries across Bulgaria, a tribute to his popularity from times immemorial.
/NF/
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