On Monday, April 28, 2025, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the ancient Church of St. Sophia in Sofia, marking the church’s feast day.
He was joined by Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, Archimandrite Ioan, Protopresbyter Kiril Didov, and clergy from across the capital. The service was enriched by hymns sung by the church choir, under the direction of Maria Ruseva.
In his homily, Patriarch Daniel reflected on the meaning of the city’s name, stating that “Christ is truly risen and has given the world new life, flowing from the Source of Life – Christ; a life of grace that leads to eternity.” He emphasized the blessing of living in a city named after “the Divine Wisdom – the Incarnate Son of God, who suffered and rose for us.”
The Patriarch recalled that the city’s name, Sofia, was taken from the church itself in the late 14th century. He noted with concern that “we have lost much by breaking the tradition of worship during the atheist regime, when the city’s name was associated with the capital alone, and not with its spiritual roots.”
He explained that the original feast of the church was celebrated on the Monday after Thomas Sunday, likely due to local burial traditions. “Perhaps that’s where the custom of gathering on this day began,” he suggested.
While acknowledging the city’s official holiday on September 17, honoring the martyrs Faith, Hope, and Love, and their mother Sophia, Patriarch Daniel stressed the need to reconnect with the theological foundation of the name: “It is also important to honor Divine Wisdom – the very name our city bears.”
He concluded by urging spiritual awareness: “Let us not remain unaware, but know that our city is named after Divine Wisdom – the Incarnate Son of God, Jesus Christ. May we honor Him not only with words, but with our lives, so that God’s Wisdom may dwell among us.”
Since 2002, this Monday after Thomas Sunday has also been officially recognized as a regional holiday for Sofia and its surrounding areas.
Text: Mihail Taskov
Photos: Plamen Mihaylov
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria
