A solemn Patriarchal Divine Liturgy was celebrated at St. Nedelya Cathedral in Sofia. The celebration included the veneration of holy relics: a particle of the relics of Saint David of Euboea and the skufia from the vestments of Saint John the Russian. The service was presided over by Patriarch Daniel, concelebrated by hierarchs and clergy from Bulgaria and Greece, including Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida and Bishop Nikodimos of Skopelos.
During his homily, Patriarch Daniel reflected on the inner struggle of prayer and faith, reminding the faithful that God has placed in every human heart a longing for Him. “When we neglect attention in prayer or disregard Christ’s commandments,” he said, “the warm feeling we once had gradually fades, and our bond with God becomes disturbed.” He emphasized that true communion with God requires readiness for self-denial and sacrifice, echoing Christ’s words: “Whoever wishes to follow Me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me” (Mark 8:34).
Referring to Saint John the Russian, whose incorrupt relics rest in Nea Prokopi, Greece, the Patriarch noted: “To this day, countless miracles are performed through Saint John the Russian for all who turn to him with faith and prayer.” He underlined that such grace is the fruit of steadfast devotion to God, accompanied by self-sacrifice and unwavering fidelity to Christ. He also spoke of Saint David of Euboea, who lived during Ottoman rule and chose a life of ascetic struggle and humility, preferring solitude and living communion with God over ecclesiastical honors.
Patriarch Daniel expressed heartfelt gratitude to Metropolitan Chrysostomos and the accompanying delegation for bringing the holy relics for veneration, praising their readiness and sacrificial love. In a gesture of brotherly respect, he offered ecclesiastical gifts in return. Metropolitan Chrysostomos responded by saying, “God deemed us worthy today to share in this Paschal joy… to glorify His holy name with one mouth and one heart,” adding that love for Saint John the Russian inspired their visit.
The relics will remain available for the faithful to pay their respects at St. Nedelya Cathedral until midday on Monday, 26 January, before continuing their journey to the Troyan Monastery and later to Blagoevgrad. The sacred gathering stood as a powerful witness to unity, shared faith, and the living presence of holiness within the life of the Church.
