Archbishop Anastasios of Albania conveyed his condolences to the locum tenens of the Patriarchate of Bulgaria, Metropolitan John of Varna, on Thursday, March 14, 2024, following the passing of Patriarch Neophytos of Bulgaria on March 13, 2024.
The Archbishop’s letter read as follows:
Your Eminence, Holy Brother,
With profound sorrow, we received the news of the departure of our beloved brother and co-celebrant, Metropolitan Neophytos of Sofia and Patriarch of Bulgaria. The late Patriarch exemplified Orthodox faith through humility, patience amidst illness, and genuine love. His paternal affection, wisdom, simplicity, and sincerity deeply resonated with the devout faithful of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
On behalf of the Holy Synod of the Church of Albania, its clergy, and the faithful, we extend heartfelt condolences to the sister Church of Bulgaria. In the Holy Archdiocese of Tirana, a Trisagion was held to pray for the repose of the soul of the revered Patriarch Neophytos, who now rests “among the righteous”.
May his memory be eternal!
Representatives of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania, led by Metropolitan John of Korçë and accompanied by Fr. Michael Sanelaris, will attend the funeral service of the late Primate of the Bulgarian Church.
“Blessed are those who die in the Lord.”
With profound respect and brotherly love in Christ,
Tirana, March 14, 2024
† Anastasios of Tirana, Durres and All Albania
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
