Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria described the return of the remains attributed to Tsar Samuel as a historic moment for the Bulgarian people and an important step toward strengthening relations between Bulgaria and Greece and their sister Orthodox Churches.
Speaking on October 3 following the memorial service and the placement of the sarcophagus containing Samuel’s remains at the historic Church of St. Sophia – the Wisdom of God in Sofia, the Patriarch described the medieval ruler as “one of the most worthy and great rulers of our Orthodox people.”
More than a millennium after his death, he said, Samuel had returned “to remain forever among his own people” and to rest in the historic church that gave its name to Bulgaria’s capital.
Patriarch Daniel described the remains as “a true treasure of our state, ecclesiastical and national memory,” saying that Samuel had returned “to that Bulgaria for which he gave all his strength and abilities, and his very life.”
The Patriarch paid particular tribute to the late Greek architect, archaeologist and Byzantinist Professor Nikolaos Moutsopoulos, who identified the remains following their discovery in 1965.
“The work of Professor Moutsopoulos will remain forever in our hearts,” he said, describing him as “our brother, friend and well-wisher in the Lord.”
Patriarch Daniel also thanked the museum specialists who preserved the remains and the political and diplomatic representatives of Greece and Bulgaria who contributed to reaching the agreement for their return.
“Today’s event is an exceptional step toward strengthening relations, understanding and friendship between our neighboring states and sister Orthodox Churches,” he stressed.
Reflecting on Samuel’s legacy, the Patriarch added: “For the Bulgarian people, Tsar Samuel will forever remain a luminous and majestic figure, and for the Church of Christ, a faithful son who lived with faith in God.”
Concluding his address, Patriarch Daniel prayed for Samuel’s eternal repose, saying: “May his memory be eternal and blessed.”
