On October 4, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria and Metropolitan of Sofia celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St. George the Great Martyr in the village of Prolesha.
He was joined by Fr. Stefan Ignatov, the parish rector, clergy from Sofia, and Deacon Krastan Koychev. The choir of seminarians from the St. John of Rila Theological Seminary sang during Matins, and the children’s and youth choir “St. Seraphim of Sofia”, directed by Mrs. Anelia Kocheva, chanted during the Liturgy.
Before the dismissal, koliva was blessed for the faithful, and a water blessing was performed in the churchyard.
In his sermon, based on the Gospel reading about the healing of the paralytic in Capernaum (Mark 2:1–12), Patriarch Daniel reflected on repentance and participation in the Holy Mysteries as the true path to union with God, which he described as the essence of Christian life.
He likened the human soul to a tangled knot: “Just as it is difficult to untangle a knot, so the soul is bound by spiritual corruption and the sins we commit. Each time we confess, we loosen the knot, and God frees the soul from its bonds.”
The Patriarch reminded the faithful that no sin is unforgivable, emphasizing: “God is an abyss of mercy. When we overcome the false shame that keeps us from confession, the Lord releases us from the knot that binds our soul.”
He highlighted the Orthodox understanding of confession as a healing encounter with divine grace, rather than a legal act of pardon:
“In the Mystery of Confession, man does not merely list sins but allows God’s grace to renew the heart and soul.”
Patriarch Daniel also urged the faithful to participate regularly in church life, cautioning against the belief that prayer at home can replace the Church’s sacramental life: “The devil deceives people by making them think they do not need the Church. If God truly dwells in your heart, show it by living according to faith.”
Following the service, Fr. Ignatov presented a small gift to the Patriarch in gratitude for his visit and the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. A festive meal was offered to all attendees.
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Text: Mihail Taskov / Photos: Vesela Ignatova / Patriarchate of Bulgaria
