On Sunday, June 30, 2025, Archimandrite Vasilij (Savov) was ordained Bishop of Dragovitija during a solemn Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky in Sofia. The ordination was presided over by Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria, together with numerous metropolitans and bishops of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church – Bulgarian Patriarchate.
The decision to elevate Archimandrite Vasilij to the episcopacy was made by the Holy Synod on June 26. Following his consecration, he is to assume the role of abbot of the Troyan Monastery, one of the most prominent stavropegial monastic communities in Bulgaria.
The joyful occasion drew hundreds of Orthodox faithful, clergy, and guests.
During the ordination, Archimandrite Vasilij knelt as the Gospel book and the hands of the bishops were laid upon him, invoking the Holy Spirit and divine grace upon the new bishop. The cathedral resounded with the acclamation “Axios!” (He is worthy), as Patriarch Daniil and senior hierarchs vested Bishop Vasilij with the symbols of episcopal ministry: the sakkos, omophorion, engolpion, and mitre.
In his address following the ordination, Patriarch Daniel reminded the new bishop of the weighty responsibility he now carries: “Be worthy of the trust placed in you. Episcopal ministry is both a high honor and a great responsibility before God and His people. Never forget that, and in all your decisions, be guided first and foremost by what is good and edifying for your flock.”
In his first words as bishop, Vasilij acknowledged the spiritual and social challenges of the times: “We live in a time of contradictions and divisions. In this world of conflict, I place my hope in the Prince of Peace, Who left us His peace (John 14:27), that He may grant me strength to preach the Gospel and sow peace built upon love and unity.”
The celebration ended with a polychronion (many years) sung for Patriarch Daniel, the Holy Synod, and Bishop Vasilij. A formal reception followed at the Synodal Palace, where greetings and congratulations were offered to the newly ordained bishop.
Text, photos, and video by Angel Karadakov
