The Feast of St. John of Rila once again gathered dozens of Orthodox Christians at the Sofia Theological Seminary, which celebrated the Rila Hermit and Miracle Worker for the 121st time this year.
For the first time since his election and enthronement, Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria officially visited the seminary, leading a festive evening service on October 18 and presiding over the Holy Mass in the seminary church on October 19.
Concelebrating with the Patriarch were Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod, Bishop Pachomius of Branitsky, First Vicar of the Metropolitan of Sofia, and Bishop Meletius of Znepol, Rector of the Sofia Theological Seminary, along with Archimandrite Joakim, spiritual supervisor of the Sofia Diocese, Archimandrite Nikodim, metropolitan priests, and Archdeacons Ivan Petkov and Deyan Korunoski.
The hymns of the Divine Liturgy were sung by the students of the Sofia Theological Seminary, led by Protopresbyter Konstantinos Fotopoulos. The sermon for the feast was delivered by 12th-grade student Nino Ivanov, who spoke about the remarkable life of the Reverend Father John of Rila, as well as his testament and miracles.
At the conclusion of the Holy Liturgy, Patriarch Daniil addressed the clergy, seminarians, and faithful gathered in the temple, focusing on the significance of the feast. “We are celebrating one of the three feasts dedicated to St. John of Rila—the Transfer of his Relics from the Rila Monastery to the town of Sredets. It is a ‘small resurrection,’ as his disciples, following a vision, found his incorrupt body and moved it to Sredets. This miracle testifies to the victory of life over death through Jesus Christ,” said Patriarch Daniil.
He further emphasized the saint’s covenant and called on the faithful to pray for his intercession and protection.
Patriarch Daniil also praised the Sofia Seminary for continuing its spiritual mission: “St. John of Rila has been gathering his children here for over 120 years, where they live a spiritual life and are saved in the Church.”
He acknowledged the leadership of Bishop Meletius of Znepol and the teaching staff for their dedication, noting the encouraging rise in seminarians: “After years of concern about enrollment, we are witnessing a positive trend. The number of students is approaching what it once was, filling the classes and bringing hope for the future of the ministry of the Holy Church.”
The Patriarch highlighted the importance of the seminary in helping young people find purpose in life: “In a time when many of our youth sink into addiction and depression, here, seminarians cherish the gifts and joy of life—a joy that comes from a pure and blameless life. This is something extremely precious that many in our time neglect.”
He concluded by encouraging continued care for the seminarians and strengthening parents’ confidence in the school.
The solemn Divine Liturgy concluded with Vespers, and in the reception hall of the Sofia Seminary, the children welcomed His Holiness with chants.
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria
