On Monday, March 23, during the fifth week of Great Lent, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria presided over the full Great Penitential Canon of St. Andrew of Crete at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Nedelya in Sofia.
He was assisted by clergy of the cathedral, while Bishop Ioan of Branitsa participated prayerfully. The hymns were performed by the Sofia Priests’ Choir.
At the end of the service, Patriarch Daniel addressed the faithful, emphasizing that God calls all people to repentance. He noted that through sincere repentance and faith, even the burden of sin can be overcome, as divine grace enlightens the human heart and guides believers back to God.
Referring to examples from the Canon, he spoke about Adam and Eve, highlighting how self-justification prevents true repentance, and contrasted this with the humility and obedience of the Virgin Mary. He stressed that genuine repentance requires honesty before God, spiritual struggle, and participation in the sacrament of confession.
Concluding his homily, the Patriarch encouraged the faithful to embrace repentance as a lifelong path, expressing hope that through God’s mercy they may restore their living relationship with Him and experience true spiritual joy.
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria, Text: Михаил Тасков, Photos: Димитър Горанов
