The Patriarchal Vicar, Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, presided over the Divine Liturgy on the Sunday after Christmas, December 26, 2021, at the celebrating Church of St. Stephen in Balat of the Orthodox Community of Bulgarian-speaking faithful in Constantinople. Metropolitan Kirpian of Stara Zagora, from the Patriarchate of Bulgaria, and Bishop Adrianos of Halicarnassus concelebrated the Divine Liturgy.
The Consul General of Bulgaria in Constantinople, Vassil P. Valchev, President of the Community, Vasil Liaze, pilgrims from Bulgaria and believers from the Bulgarian-speaking Community.
After the Divine Liturgy, Charalambos Nichev, Hierarchical Head of the Community addressed the Patriarchal Vicar.
The Metropolitan Stara Zagora addressed a greeting while the Consul General read a message from the President of Bulgaria.
Subsequently, the Elder Metropolitan of Chalcedon warmly welcomed Metropolitan Kiprian and the pilgrims from Bulgaria.