Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria joined the annual “Wonderworker of Rila” pilgrimage on August 5, climbing the Rila Mountains to meet the participants at the Seven Rila Lakes.
The pilgrims, who had departed on foot from Sofia on August 1, gathered early in the morning near Babreka Lake, situated at an altitude of 2,282 metres.
The annual pilgrimage is dedicated to Saint John of Rila, the patron saint of the Bulgarian people, and attracts hundreds of Orthodox Christians from Bulgaria and abroad.
The route symbolically retraces the transfer of the Saint’s relics in 1469 from Tarnovgrad, through Sofia, to the Rila Monastery. Throughout the journey, services are celebrated and prayers and hymns are offered to God, the Most Holy Theotokos and Saint John of Rila.
Patriarch Daniel, who participated in the pilgrimage for the second time, reached Babreka Lake on foot. In accordance with tradition, a festal service for the Blessing of the Waters was celebrated there.
Bishop Ioan of Branitsa, Bishop Hierotheos of Agathopolis and clergy from Sofia participating in the pilgrimage concelebrated with the Patriarch.
“May your example be a light to all those who are beginning their journey toward the faith,” Patriarch Daniil told the pilgrims following the service.
The Patriarch recalled the testament of Saint John of Rila, emphasizing its continued relevance. He noted that the Saint urged the faithful to guard themselves against the love of money, preserve unity and avoid disputes and division.
Patriarch Daniel called on the pilgrims to follow the Saint’s testament and apply it in their daily lives as they journey toward the Kingdom of God.
Following the Blessing of the Waters and the sprinkling of the faithful with holy water, the pilgrims continued toward the Rila Monastery, where the spiritual procession concluded.
Photos: Daniel Klisurski
Source: Sofia Holy Metropolis
