On July 1, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrated the consecration of a new bishop. On the same day that the Bulgarian people honor their patron saint, Saint John of Rila, Archimandrite Ioan, previously protosyncellus of the Sofia Metropolis, was elevated to the episcopal rank with the title Bishop of Branitsa. The solemn episcopal liturgy was presided over by Patriarch Daniel and attended by metropolitans and bishops of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, as well as clergy from the Serbian, Greek, and Georgian Orthodox Churches.
Among those concelebrating with Patriarch Daniel were Metropolitan Grigoriy of Veliko Tarnovo, Metropolitan Andrey (Gvazava) of Gori and Atena from the Georgian Patriarchate, Metropolitan Gavriil of Lovech, Metropolitan Joanikiy of Montenegro and the Littoral (Serbian Patriarchate), Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe, Metropolitan Grigorios of Peristeri (Greek Orthodox Church), Metropolitan Seraphim of Nevrokop, Metropolitan Pachomiy of Vidin, Bishop Gerasim of Melnik – Secretary of the Holy Synod, Bishop Evlogiy of Adrianople – abbot of the Rila Monastery, and several other bishops, archimandrites, priests, and protodeacons from across the country, as well as representatives from the Russian and Romanian Patriarchates.
The consecration ceremony took place in the sacred atmosphere of the Rila Monastery, drawing dozens of Orthodox faithful who shared in the spiritual joy of the Bulgarian Church. Before the Divine Liturgy began, Archimandrite Ioan professed his episcopal vows and read the Symbol of Faith, publicly confessing the Orthodox Christian faith.
The liturgical hymns were performed by the “St. Naum of Ohrid” choir under the direction of Dr. Andrei Kasabov, alongside a choir from Iași, Romania, singing antiphonally, enhancing the solemnity of the event.
During the service, Archimandrite Ioan knelt as Patriarch Daniel, metropolitans, and bishops imposed their hands upon him and laid the Holy Gospel upon his head, invoking the Holy Spirit and praying for God’s grace to descend upon the new bishop. The Rila Monastery church resounded with the acclamation “Worthy” for the newly consecrated bishop. Patriarch Daniel then vested him with the episcopal garments and symbols: the sakkos, omophorion, engolpion, and mitre.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Daniel presented the new bishop with a pastoral staff and addressed him:
“Today, you, Most Reverend Bishop, receive the grace of the episcopate, which renews the depths of your being, strengthens and sanctifies you, as the Holy Spirit descends upon you and the power of the Almighty overshadows you. Truly, this service is great and the responsibility heavy, but lift up your heart and raise your mind’s gaze, relying boldly on the boundless sea of God’s mercy. Trust unwaveringly that He who looks upon our humility will lay His right hand upon you, uplift you, and never forsake you if you rely on Him. Approaching the voice of our Holy Church with humility and obedience, you will be revealed as a good steward of God’s manifold grace (1 Peter 4:10). As you have faithfully fulfilled your duties so far, continue in your new episcopal service to guard the grace given to you today as the apple of your eye… Always remember and keep the promises made today—to be faithful to the Orthodox faith, to the dogmatic teaching of the Holy Church, to the sacred canons of the Ecumenical and Local Councils, and to the authority of our Church and your diocesan bishop. Be ready to defend the truth at all costs, following the example of pillars of faith like St. Ambrose of Milan and St. John Chrysostom, who fearlessly rebuked injustice. Remember that a bishop is not merely an administrator or a secular leader but is above all the head of the Eucharistic assembly and a teacher of the faith. Your relationship with God’s people must be one of pastoral love and care, guided humbly by the words of St. John Chrysostom: ‘In the end, people are divided into sheep and shepherds only by human judgment, but for Christ, all are sheep. Both shepherds and sheep are tended by the one heavenly Shepherd.’”
In his acceptance speech, the newly consecrated Bishop Ioan vowed: “From this day forward, I am bound to fully dedicate myself to embodying the words of Christ that ‘the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep’ (John 10:11). Above all, I desire to firmly confess the teaching of our Holy Church—that a bishop is the successor of the holy apostles, a preacher of the Holy Gospel, guardian of Christ’s truth, symbol of unity in the Holy Church, steward of God’s grace, and teacher of piety and purity, flowing from the Source of Orthodox faith. Aware of my shortcomings and weaknesses, I understand that I must not rely on my own strength in this new ministry but humbly strive to be an obedient instrument of Christ and His Holy Church, to which I promise to remain faithful even unto death. Though the weight of the episcopal service weighs heavily on my heart, the Savior’s promise comforts me: ‘I am with you always, to the very end of the age’ (Matthew 28:20). I need your prayers and guidance. Please pray for me, newly called to the apostolic ministry, that I may not bring shame but justify the trust placed in me. Pray that God’s gift, which through your laying on of hands is in me, may be stirred up (2 Timothy 1:6).”
The festive day continued with a thanksgiving moleben marking one year since the election and enthronement of Patriarch Daniel. Metropolitan Pachomiy of Vidin and Bishop Isaak of Velbazhd read addresses, praising Patriarch Daniel’s tireless work during the past year.
Metropolitan Pachomiy stated on behalf of the Holy Synod: “One year has passed since Your service as Patriarch, during which we have all witnessed your tireless labors in God’s field—the splendid services in the crowded churches and monasteries of the Sofia Diocese, your archpastoral visits across the dioceses of our Church, and your meetings with officials and representatives of political, social, and cultural life at home and abroad. Most of all, we have seen your fatherly care for all those yearning to receive your patriarchal blessing. Living in a very material world, where ‘sin easily entangles us’ (Hebrews 12:1) and the burden of daily struggle weighs heavier, our people often forget ‘the one thing needed’ (Luke 10:42) and the true meaning of life. Your election as Patriarch has been a living, comforting ray of sunshine for all.”
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria
