Metropolitan Pakhomiy of Vidin was officially enthroned following his election by the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church on February 9.
His arrival in the diocese was marked by warm receptions in Sumer, Montana, and finally Vidin, where he was greeted with flowers, hymns, and the chanting of “Worthy.”
Local officials and clergy attended the ceremonies, with the Mayor of Vidin presenting him with sacred vestments.
In his address, Pakhomiy pledged to work for the spiritual well-being of his flock, particularly children and youth, emphasizing the Church’s role as a guide in uncertain times.
Enthronement at the Cathedral of St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki
The celebrations continued with the enthronement and solemn service at the Cathedral of St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki, where the newly elected Metropolitan Pakhomiy of Vidin presided over the festive Vespers.
Among those in prayerful participation were Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil and the metropolitans of the Holy Synod: Grigoriy of Veliko Tarnovo, Gavriil of Lovech, Nikolay of Plovdiv, Serafim of Nevrokop, Kiprian of Stara Zagora, Grigoriy of Vratsa, and Arseniy of Sliven. Also present were Bishops Gerasim of Melnik, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod, Eulogiy of Adrianople, Abbot of the Rila Monastery, and Meletiy of Znepol, Rector of the Sofia Theological Seminary “St. John of Rila.”
The choir of the Sofia Seminary performed the hymns of the service, adding to the spiritual grandeur of the event.
At the end of the service, Metropolitan Grigoriy of Vratsa read the Act of Election for the Metropolitan of Vidin, while Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil delivered the Patriarchal and Synodal Message to the flock of the Diocese of Vidin.
Address of Metropolitan Pakhomiy
In his address, Metropolitan Pakhomiy spoke of his devotion to his new ministry, stating:
“The longing of my heart is that, while fulfilling this apostolic service, I may win as many souls as possible for salvation in God. For the Lord commanded the Apostles: ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men’ (Matthew 4:19). There is nothing more precious and beautiful than the human soul, which the Lord created in His own image and likeness.
The beautiful souls of my flock have lived for centuries amidst the wonders of God’s creation. I take comfort in the beauty of this blessed Bulgarian land—with its majestic mountains, rivers, valleys, and plains, gifted to us by God for joy and benefit.
I place my trust in the words of King David, which we heard tonight: ‘You water the mountains from Your upper chambers; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works. He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the service of man, that he may bring forth food from the earth’ (Psalm 103:13-14).
May the bountiful hand of Christ water and nourish the spiritual vineyard here, along the banks of the Danube and the foothills of the Balkans, so that it may bear fruit for salvation.
Beloved children of the Diocese of Vidin, I thank you for your love toward me. Today, you came out to welcome your archpastor, and I saw the warmth of your hearts toward me, for which I am deeply grateful. This, in turn, obliges me to labor tirelessly alongside you for our common prosperity, our spiritual advancement, and our salvation in Christ.
By God’s grace and with paternal love, I will care for those who bear the cross of the priesthood, support the monastics with zeal, respond with joy to those in need, eagerly uplift the youth, and always pray for you all. I also ask for your prayers for me. May God’s mercy guide us all on the path of Christ’s love!”
The solemn service concluded with a prayer for many years, as dozens of Orthodox Christians came forward to receive a blessing and congratulate their new archpastor. They wished him God’s care, protection, and strength in his mission of salvation, that he may zealously and sincerely lead his flock toward the Kingdom of God.
