Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel presided over the Divine Liturgy on the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky in Sofia, delivering a message on spiritual vigilance, repentance, and the struggle against sin.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading of the healing of the demoniacs, the Patriarch emphasized that Christ has delivered humanity from the power of demonic forces, describing the devil as “a murderer from the beginning,” in the words of the Gospel of John.
During his homily, Patriarch Daniel urged the faithful to guard themselves against both visible and hidden sins that nourish passions and distance people from God. He warned that the pursuit of personal gain, power, or material advantage at the expense of others may appear rewarding but ultimately leads to spiritual blindness and suffering.
The Bulgarian primate called on Christians to examine their motives honestly, ensure that their actions are in accordance with the Gospel commandments, and seek God’s help through sincere repentance.
Concluding his address, Patriarch Daniel encouraged the faithful to strive for freedom from sinful passions and to work toward the purification of their hearts through prayer, humility, and genuine repentance. The Divine Liturgy concluded with prayers for many years and the Patriarch’s blessing of the congregation.
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria, text and photos: Ангел Карадаков
