Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Cathedral of Saint Alexander Nevsky in Sofia on August 30, as the cathedral celebrated its summer patronal feast.
The Orthodox Church commemorates on this day the transfer of the relics of Saint Alexander Nevsky from the Russian city of Vladimir to Saint Petersburg in the 18th century.
Concelebrating with Patriarch Daniel were Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod; Bishop Ioan of Branitsa, First Vicar of the Metropolitan of Sofia; Bishop Isaac of Velbazhd, Second Vicar of the Metropolitan of Sofia; Romanian Patriarchate representative Fr Neluțu Oprea; clergy of the cathedral and Sofia Diocese; and other priests and deacons.
A large number of faithful filled the cathedral for the celebration, while the cathedral choir, conducted by Associate Professor Georgi Elenkov, accompanied the service. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, many of those present received Holy Communion.
In his homily, Patriarch Daniel reflected on the life and legacy of Saint Alexander Nevsky, highlighting the holy prince’s steadfast faith and complete trust in divine providence. He presented these qualities as an example for every Christian seeking to remain faithful to God amid the challenges of life.
The celebration concluded with prayers for many years for the Bulgarian Patriarch, the Holy Synod and all Orthodox Christians who gathered to honor the memory of Saint Alexander Nevsky.
Text: Vesela Ignatova, Photos: Dimitar Goranov
