Serbian Patriarch Porfirije sent a congratulatory message to the newly elected Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel, expressing heartfelt congratulations and spiritual support.
The message reads:
“Your Holiness, our dear brother and co-servant in Christ,
On behalf of the Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church and in my personal name, I extend heartfelt congratulations on your election and accession to the most holy Throne of the Bulgarian Patriarchs. Today, the entire Church of Christ, His Body, rejoices alongside the clergy and faithful of our sister Bulgarian Orthodox Church, recognizing the blessing of the Holy Spirit and the discernment of the fathers of the Synod of Bishops. They have seen in you a worthy successor to its godly leaders, choosing you as the new head of the Bulgarian Patriarchate.
It is God’s will that all peoples of the world come to know the One who is the true Way, Truth, and Life (Jn. 14:6) and through Him, the truth (1 Tim. 2:4). Believing in these words, we trust that by bearing Christ’s burden and gentle yoke (Mt. 11:30) as leaders, we will, with joint efforts and unwavering commitment, preach the Truth, witnessing the Gospel of Christ and the faith of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, especially in these times when evangelical values are being tested.
We pray to our Lord Jesus Christ to grant you an abundance of His grace, pastoral wisdom, and spiritual strength in the new obedience to which the Holy Spirit has called you.”
With brotherly love in Christ,
Serbian Patriarch Porfirije