A jubilee volume dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Prof. Dr. Ivan Zhelev Dimitrov was presented on June 18 at the “Exarch Stefan” Hall of the Sofia Metropolis.
The publication, titled “One Is Our Teacher – Christ,” honors the distinguished New Testament scholar, theologian, public intellectual, journalist, and church servant for his longstanding contribution to theological scholarship and ecclesiastical life.
Among those attending the event were Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria, Bishop Ioan of Branitsa, Prof. Dr. Ivaylo Naydenov, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski,” as well as numerous clergy, academics, students, and guests.
In his address, Patriarch Daniel recalled that Prof. Zhelev had been one of his teachers at the Faculty of Theology and praised his ability to present the faith “with remarkable simplicity, scholarly rigor, and clarity.” He highlighted the professor’s deep connection to the life of the Church, noting that this ecclesial spirit has remained a defining characteristic throughout his ministry and academic service.
The Patriarch further described the volume as a fitting tribute to Prof. Zhelev’s 80th anniversary and wished him continued health and strength to bear witness to the faith and contribute to the life of the Church.
The collection was presented by its editors and contributors, while a new video interview with Prof. Zhelev was also screened, focusing on the role of councils in the Church, the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church, and his service alongside the late Patriarch Maxim of Bulgaria.
Concluding the event, Prof. Zhelev expressed gratitude to all those present and reflected on his life and work. Quoting Psalm 89:10, he remarked: “Thank God, I cannot say that most of my years have been marked by illness, but I have tried at least to make them years of labor. And the fruits remain, recorded where God records our deeds.”
The volume includes sixteen scholarly articles by biblical scholars and theologians, as well as an autobiographical essay and a complete bibliography of Prof. Zhelev’s academic work. Its title, chosen by the honoree himself, underscores the central message of Christian theology: to lead people to Christ, the one true Teacher.
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