A Divine Liturgy was celebrated to mark 25 years since the canonical election of Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech as the head of the Lovech Diocese.
Patriarch Daniel presided at the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Lovech. Concelebrating were Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech; Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral of the Serbian Orthodox Church; and several hierarchs of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, together with bishops, clergy, and deacons.
State and local officials, including the Mayor of Lovech, representatives of government institutions, and many Orthodox faithful were also present.
Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria addressed Metropolitan Gabriel, noting that much has been accomplished in the Lovech Diocese over the past two and a half decades. He referred to progress in pastoral work, education, church administration, charitable activity, church construction, care for monasteries, and publishing.
In his address, Patriarch Daniel highlighted Metropolitan Gabriel’s steady commitment to the Orthodox faith and his efforts to strengthen church life among the people. He referred to Metropolitan Gabriel’s service as Protosyncellus of the Sofia Metropolis, later as a vicar bishop, and since 2001 as Metropolitan of Lovech, noting his consistent pastoral care and attention to education.
The Patriarch also mentioned the establishment of Bulgaria’s first Orthodox school, “Saints Seven Saints,” which combines general education with Christian instruction.
As a sign of appreciation, Patriarch Daniil presented Metropolitan Gabriel with a bishop’s staff on behalf of the Holy Synod, wishing him continued strength in his ministry.
Metropolitan Gabriel thanked God for the years of service entrusted to him and reflected on the challenges and responsibilities of shepherding the Lovech Diocese. He noted the restoration of churches and monasteries, the ordination of clergy, the canonization of the New Martyrs of Novoseltsi in 2011, the construction of the new cathedral in Lovech, and the founding of an Orthodox school under the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
He emphasized that while society has changed over the years, the mission of the Church remains the same: to guide people toward faith, truth, and life in Christ.
Metropolitan Gabriel was canonically elected and confirmed as Metropolitan of Lovech in January 2001. Since then, he has led the diocese through various initiatives, including social outreach programs, church construction, monastery restoration, publishing work, and support for monastic life.
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria
