“How much greater would the benefit be for the capital if its citizens were honest, caring for each other, and brotherly!” During their meeting at the Sofia Holy Metropolis, this was the heartfelt message of Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel to the Mayor of Sofia, Vasil Terziev. Bishop Pachomius of Branitsa, Vicar of the Sofia Metropolis, and Assoc. attended the meeting: Prof. Dr. Maria Kyoseva, Legal Counselor of the Holy Synod.
Mayor Terziev congratulated Patriarch Daniel on his election and expressed his wishes for a zealous and dedicated service to the Bulgarian people, particularly in his role as Metropolitan of Sofia. The Patriarch, in turn, thanked the Sofia Municipality and the Mayor for their ongoing cooperation and the positive initiatives between the Sofia Holy Bishopric and the Municipality.
“You can count on our cooperation. Our goal is to work with all institutions in close and fruitful collaboration. Good decisions are made when all stakeholders communicate with each other. Many of our problems stem from the heavy individualism we have fallen into,” said Vasil Terziev. He also informed Patriarch Daniel about the long-standing initiative for cooperation between the Church and the Municipality for constructing kindergartens and schools in the capital’s districts where possible.
Patriarch Daniel emphasized the importance of putting communal interests above personal ones to build normal relationships and achieve societal well-being. “As long as we consider ourselves above all, prefer ourselves to others, and care more about our interests, often at the expense of the public interest, we cannot build normal relationships with others and achieve the well-being of our society. A sincere and consistent effort to overcome the damages by which sin acts in us leads to the restoration of Christ’s peace in our hearts and to harmony in our relationship with others. It is a great benefit for the municipal authorities for the citizens to be conscientious, to have tolerance and care for each other, to love their city and thus to contribute to the prosperity and well-being of our capital. The Church has proven its irreplaceable role in the spiritual support of each individual to achieve these personal and public goods,” Patriarch Daniel stated.
During the reception, they discussed and identified several common initiatives for joint implementation between the Sofia Holy Bishopric and Sofia Municipality, aiming to develop and deepen their cooperation further.
As a token of goodwill, Patriarch Daniel presented Mr. Terziev with an icon of the Mother of God, encouraging him to always seek her intercession and support in his duties.
Source and photos: bg-patriarshia.bg