On August 1, the first day of the Dormition Fast, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria presided over a hierarchical vespers service with a Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Great Martyr Nedelya in Sofia.
He was joined in service by Protopresbyter Biser Kostadinov, head of the cathedral, members of the local clergy, priests from the capital, and deacons Yulian Perikliev, Dimitar Stefanov, Krasimir Krastev, and Blagovest Milanov.
The hymns of the Supplicatory Canon were performed antiphonally by members of the clergy choir, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lyubomir Ignatov and Dr. Kalin Kirilov (right choir), and the participating clergy (before the icon of the Theotokos “Gerontissa” in the center of the church).
At the conclusion of the service, the Patriarch delivered a sermon, emphasizing:
“Our Orthodox faith is life itself — an inseparable part of the Christian’s daily existence. Fasting and prayer are its pillars. Without prayer, there is no spiritual life; and without restraint and fasting, we cannot hope for victory over the passions.
As we prepare to celebrate the Dormition of the Theotokos, we cannot share in her blessedness if we do not try to emulate her life — her humility, her diligence, her deep faith, and her prayerfulness. What we often only contemplate, she lived constantly, in full unity with the Lord God, the Creator of all, seen and unseen.
The Mother of God is our greatest example and guide toward union with God — not through speculation, doubt, or idleness, but through remembrance of God, continual prayer, and grace-filled simplicity. She desired nothing more than the grace that comes from Him — and through this was made worthy to become the Mother of the Word.”
Patriarch Daniel also called on the faithful to offer heartfelt prayers for all who are suffering:
“Though we each face difficulties, they cannot compare to the tragedies unfolding in other parts of the world. Not far from us, in places that once housed millions, people now starve and perish under cold indifference. Let us pray that God protects them. He is with the weak, the wronged, and the afflicted.
Let us especially pray for those suffering in Gaza from hunger and despair. May God help them — and may those in power bring this tragedy to an end. We cannot remain indifferent. As human beings, we are called to compassion. Even in our own country, many have suffered from fires, losing homes and property, while nearby nations also face disasters — floods, wildfires, destruction.
Alongside our prayers to the Most Holy Theotokos, let us add this simple prayer from the heart:
‘Lord, have mercy and protect those who suffer, those in anguish. Show them Your strength; let them know You even in their weakness.’
God’s providence is mysterious. In suffering, one often draws closest to God. And even amid torment, this suffering can become salvation — a way for God to reveal Himself, even to those who have never known Him.”
Inside the cathedral, a model was displayed depicting a complex of churches and buildings from the early Christian era in Bulgaria — including the Great Basilica of Pliska, the church from Veliki Preslav, and Hreljo’s Tower of the Rila Monastery. The model was created by Fr. Genadiy Martinov, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Agathangel of Odessa and Izmail.
The project is under construction near the city of Artsyz, about 100 km from Odessa. Through the recreation of these iconic religious buildings from the dawn of Bulgarian Christianity, the Bulgarian community in Ukraine aims to preserve the memory of their homeland and spiritual roots.
Patriarch Daniel commented:
“During the Dormition Fast, Fr. Genadiy will be with us to visit various cities and introduce more people to this project. It is a noble endeavor that began ten years ago, and despite the ongoing war and limited resources, the construction continues in a spirit of faith and dedication.
They are given semi-ruined, abandoned buildings. Volunteers gather bricks, clean them, and carry them to the site to rebuild. Much of what you see in the model is already taking shape in reality.
May God help them — and may we one day witness this spiritual complex completed, a sacred symbol dear to all our hearts.”
Text: Mikhail Taskov
Photos: Vesela Ignatova
Video: Television of the Holy Metropolis of Sofia
