Metropolitan John of Varna and Veliki Preslav shared details with reporters after paying his respects to the late Patriarch Neophyte at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky.
“Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will officiate the funeral service, after which Patriarch Neophyte will be laid to rest in the courtyard of Saint Nedelya Cathedral, on the south side, behind the tomb of Exarch Joseph,” stated Metropolitan John.
While there’s no official confirmation yet on the attendance of Russian clergymen, Metropolitan John assured that invitations were extended to all concerned parties as per the decision of the Holy Synod. “This is the proper course of action. Official representatives from Russian and Romanian clergy are expected, but we are awaiting confirmation from any attending Metropolitans,” he clarified.
Metropolitan John also mentioned ongoing efforts to determine the official representatives from local Churches, confirming the participation of representatives from the Albanian, Serbian, and North Macedonian Churches. He assured the presence of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and emphasized the inclusive nature of the proceedings.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
