On August 5th, on the eve of the great Lord’s feast of the Transfiguration, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria visited the Church of the Transfiguration, located in the resort complex of Borovets, which this year celebrates 90 years since its construction.
The Church of the Transfiguration is the only wooden church in Bulgaria. The church was consecrated on September 23, 1934, by Exarch Stefan. For the past three years, it had been closed to visitors and services, but in April it was reopened after extensive renovations.
Patriarch Daniel was welcomed by the clergy of Samokov and greeted by the mayor of Samokov Municipality, Engineer Angel Dzhorgov, who expressed the joy of the residents at the patriarchal visit.
Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria visiting the Samokov spiritual district for the first time as the hierarch of the Sofia Diocese, conducted a festive vespers on the occasion of the church’s feast. Representatives of municipal and state authorities, guests of the resort, residents of Samokov Municipality, clergy, and dozens of laypeople attended the archpastoral vespers.
At the end of the vespers, the Patriarch addressed the large congregation, which could hardly fit into the newly renovated church.
“I am glad that after a long time, we can once again serve in this wonderful church and that it can be a place that testifies to God, His love for all people, for all who come to this place,” said the Patriarch in his speech, noting that many people come here to enjoy nature, but “this place is the true joy, the true rest, the true harbor for the soul that seeks true peace and can receive it from God.” He thanked all who had worked to restore the church and congratulated those present on the upcoming feast of the Transfiguration, which is an important event in the earthly life of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Patriarch recalled the Gospel story related to the Transfiguration and pointed out that we humans are separated from the spiritual world due to the fall and our soul is darkened by passions.
“Until our heart is cleansed, we are insensitive, thoughtless, and inattentive to this great Glory that the Lord has granted us in the Holy Church,” said Patriarch Daniel in his speech, emphasizing that a person can’t see God by their efforts.
“The apostles also had moments when they wondered who among them was greater, who would sit on the right and left of the Lord when He reigns in His Kingdom. In human understanding, these privileges, and their social position, concerned them. The Lord says to them – among you it will not be so, but whoever wants to be first must be a servant of all. Then the apostles understood and their hearts were cleansed of this passion to seek earthly glory and they began to develop their character and attain great humility before God,” added Patriarch Daniel.
“This event is extremely important for us. To know with what Glory the Lord has endowed us, who have believed in Him, who have been baptized and become part of His Body.” He pointed out that only Orthodox theology distinguishes in God the divine nature and the uncreated divine energies through which we communicate with Him. The Patriarch of Bulgaria explained that we cannot know the divine nature, just as we cannot touch the nature of the sun because if we approach, our nature will not endure. The Patriarch of Bulgaria pointed out that in the same way, through God’s grace, we understand that God is peace and joy, that He is good and gives His peace to the soul.
