Today, March 21, marks nine days since the passing of the revered Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte. In commemoration of this occasion, a solemn memorial service and a Trisagion service were held at the Metropolitan Church St. Great Martyr Marina within the churchyard of the Holy Metropolis of Sofia, as announced by the Metropolis.
The funeral proceedings were officiated by Metropolitan Grigory of Vratsa, serving as the Vice President of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Addressing the congregation, Metropolitan Grigory offered words of solace and encouragement. He implored the faithful to lift their prayers to God for the repose of Patriarch Neophyte’s soul, invoking the imagery of the patriarch’s spiritual journey into the comforting embrace of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. “Let us not grieve as those who have no hope,” urged Metropolitan Grigory, emphasizing the Christian belief in the continuity of life beyond death and the imperative to prepare for eternal salvation.
Highlighting the significance of intercessory prayer, Metropolitan Grigory reminded attendees of their sacred duty to beseech God’s mercy on behalf of the departed patriarch. “As Patriarch Neophyte can no longer pray for himself, let us fervently beseech God on his behalf,” he urged. Concluding his address with a prayerful plea for divine forgiveness and eternal rest for the departed head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Grigory stressed the collective responsibility of the faithful to ensure Patriarch Neophyte’s legacy is honored and his soul finds peace in the kingdom of God.
