“Christ’s Resurrection is the most long-awaited and deeply desired event in human history. Proclaimed and foretold by the Old Testament prophets, witnessed by the holy Apostles and the Myrrh-bearing Women, and sealed by the blood and sufferings of countless martyrs and confessors of the faith, Christ’s Resurrection is our unceasing joy and inspiration,” said Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria in his address to the hundreds of Orthodox Christians gathered inside and outside the Patriarchal Cathedral on the night of Pascha.
At midnight, according to ecclesiastical tradition, the Patriarch solemnly proclaimed the Resurrection of Christ and read the appointed Gospel passage, recounting the joy and amazement of the Myrrh-bearing Women who went early to anoint the body of the Risen Savior.
The Patriarch also read the Patriarchal and Synodal Paschal message, which emphasized:
“In the troubled times in which we live, constantly hearing of wars, death, cruelty, injustice, and conflicts that tear our world apart, we have one single hope: CHRIST IS RISEN! We have one unfailing promise from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: ‘Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age’ (Matthew 28:20). Let us not be afraid. Let us stand firm, vigilant, and trusting in the Risen Savior. Let us embrace the enduring evangelical virtues, participate in the sacramental life of the Holy Orthodox Church, imitate the saints, forgive our neighbors, show mercy, and struggle against individualism, addictions, divisions, and alienation, as well as against every sin ‘which so easily ensnares us’ (Hebrews 12:1).”
Concelebrating with him were Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, Bishop Ioan of Branitsa, Archpriest Kostadin Gavrilov, Protopresbyter Antoniy Milushev, and the protodeacons Ivan Petkov and Deyan Korunoski.
Among those present in prayer were Vice President Iliana Yotova, National Assembly Chair Raya Nazaryan, as well as representatives of the state, political figures, and members of public life.
In his Paschal message, Patriarch Daniel further noted: “Christ’s Resurrection is joy that overcomes sorrow; hope that dispels despair; grace that conquers sin; a remedy that heals every illness; perfect love that casts out fear. For Christ is the Truth that refutes every falsehood. Christ is the Way that leads to the Father’s house. Christ is the Life that conquers sin and death.”
Text, photos, and video: Angel Karadakov
