Bulgaria appreciates the commitment of the leadership of Mount Athos to promote and enrich dialogue, tolerance and understanding among the faithful, Bulgarian Speaker of the National Assembly Rosen Zhelyazkov said on Wednesday.
Rosen Zhelyazkov, along with the accompanying delegation, engaged in discussions with the leadership of Mount Athos on the commemoration of the day marking the liberation of Mount Athos from Ottoman rule, as per an official statement from the Bulgarian parliament.
The Bulgarian delegation attended the liturgy at the Protaton Church in Karyes, the capital of Mount Athos, as a part of their ceremonial visit for the feast of St. George the Great Martyr at the Zograf Monastery.
Zhelyazkov commended the multifaceted endeavors of Mount Athos in service to the Orthodox Church and its contributions to fostering peace and stability in the global Orthodox community. “We wholeheartedly support the efforts to uphold spirituality, faith, and the teachings of God, which render Mount Athos an eminent pilgrimage destination for individuals worldwide,” stated the Speaker of the National Assembly. He expressed Bulgaria’s commitment to supporting the profound spiritual work on Mount Athos and willingness to collaborate further for the betterment of the Orthodox Church. Additionally, he expressed his gratification for the delegation’s participation in the celebration of the Holy Great Martyr George at the Zograf Monastery, an event deeply intertwined with Bulgarian history.
Subsequently, the Bulgarian delegation is scheduled to visit the monastery and engage in discussions with the monastic brotherhood. While Zhelyazkov will return to Bulgaria, the members of parliament will attend the Vespers service and vigil at the monastery.
On November 16, the deputies will participate in the liturgy on the occasion of the feast of the Monastery and will participate in the procession of the miraculous icon of St. George.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas