A solemn Patriarchal Divine Liturgy was celebrated in Kyustendil on the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, which this year (2025) was officially declared the town’s patronal holiday by decision of the Municipal Council.
The service was led by Patriarch Daniel, concelebrated by Metropolitan Grigoriy of Kumano-Osogovo, Metropolitan Joseph of the Ohrid Archdiocese, Bishop Isaak – Auxiliary Bishop of the Metropolitan of Sofia, along with clergy from Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia.
Among the attendees were regional and municipal officials, representatives of the local council, and community leaders. The liturgical chants were performed by students of the Sofia Theological Seminary “St. John of Rila,” under the direction of Mario Mihov, and by the children’s choir “St. Seraphim of Sofia” led by Aneliya Kocheva.
In his homily, Patriarch Daniel reflected on the steadfast faith, purity, and devotion of the Mother of God, presenting her as an enduring example of love and trust in God. He emphasized that spiritual strength within the family is the true foundation of society, noting that the renewal of the nation begins with faith, unity, and love in the home.
At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Patriarch Daniel blessed the faithful with a festive water blessing on the central square and congratulated the citizens of Kyustendil on their newly established municipal feast. The celebrations continued with music and folklore performances, marking the day as a joyful union of faith, culture, and community.
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria / Text: Mihail Taskov / Photos: Plamen Mihailov
