“The memory of the ever-blessed Metropolitan Nathanael of Nevrokop brings us together once again in Gotse Delchev, the seat of the Nevrokop Diocese, in the days preceding November 16 — the day of his repose. Each year, people from near and far — many of whom never met but were touched by his life in one way or another — gather here to pray for his peace and rest, to share the spiritual legacy he left us, to console and strengthen one another in faith, and to witness the growth of the fellowship and unity he inspired among so many,” said Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria, who presided over the Memorial Divine Liturgy and Panikhida marking twelve years since the repose of Metropolitan Nathanael of Nevrokop in Gotse Delchev.
“I believe that each of us has felt that flame — that fire — which burned in Elder Nathanael,” added the Patriarch.
Patriarch Daniel concelebrated with Metropolitan Grigoriy of Veliko Tarnovo and Metropolitan Serafim of Nevrokop, together with Archimandrite Epifaniy, protosyncellus of the Nevrokop Metropolis; Archimandrite Sevastianos, abbot of the Monastery of the Seven Altars; regional vicars, clergy from the diocese, and Deacon Dimitar Zlatinov.
In his homily, the Patriarch reflected on the life and spiritual character of Metropolitan Nathanael: “What was most typical and deeply characteristic of Nathanael was his zeal for God and for the Word of God.
At only sixteen years of age, he showed this zeal by leaving his home to follow Christ — at a time of militant atheism, when communist power was at its height in 1968. Society was shaped to deny God, yet this young man chose to leave everything and walk after Christ.
His faith was nourished by what he witnessed in his parish in the village of Koprivlen, where Father Kostadin Kadrev and his predecessors had built a living Christian community. He told us how men and women lived their faith so deeply that the unity of the heavenly and earthly Church was made manifest not only inwardly in their souls but also through divine revelations and the visible intercession of saints in the lives of ordinary people.”
Patriarch Daniel continued: “Nathanael was called to pass through many trials, and in all of them he showed great responsibility — as a monk, a cleric, and a hierarch.
Whatever obedience the Church entrusted to him, he fulfilled it faithfully. After completing his higher theological education, he wished to remain a simple monk and hieromonk on Mount Athos. Yet the Church called him to other obediences — to be a true light and a spiritual guide to many.”
At the conclusion of the service, a Trisagion was held at the grave of Metropolitan Nathanael of Nevrokop.
Metropolitan Nathanael fell asleep in the Lord on November 16, 2013. For nineteen years, he shepherded the Nevrokop Diocese, restoring it from the ecclesiastical division that had arisen within the Church. During his ministry, he founded Sunday schools, children’s summer camps at the Hadzhidimovo Monastery, a social kitchen, and many other initiatives beneficial to the Church and the faithful.
