On February 27, at the Metropolitan Cathedral Church of St. Great Martyr Nedelya in Sofia, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria celebrated the Service of Small Compline with the Canon and the First Stasis of the Salutations to the Most Holy Theotokos, concelebrating with Economos Petar Slavov, President of the Church Council of the cathedral, and deacons.
Participating prayerfully were Bishop Yoan of Branitsa, the clergy of the cathedral, and numerous faithful. The hymns were performed by the Sofia Clergy Choir under the direction of Stavrophoros Economos Dr. Kiril Popov.
At the conclusion of the service, Patriarch Daniel addressed the faithful, speaking about the necessity of sincere and deep repentance, which finds its fulfillment in union with God through the reception of the Holy Mysteries of Christ.
Quoting the Apostle Paul, he recalled that after the Resurrection and Ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ, God “put all things under His feet” and appointed Him as Head of the Church (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:27–28). The destiny of the world, he said, is to be united in Christ and filled with God’s goodness. Referring to Christ’s words, “I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5–6), he emphasized that without abiding in Christ, man withers spiritually like a branch cut off from the vine.
Patriarch Daniel pointed to the Most Holy Theotokos as the first living example of this union with God, since she bore Christ in her womb and was truly united with Him. He also recalled the institution of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper, stressing that the Holy Apostles received the Body and Blood of Christ with hearts purified through repentance, confession, and forgiveness.
He warned that union with Christ is not mechanical or formal, recalling the words of the Apostle Paul that “whoever eats and drinks unworthily eats and drinks judgment to himself” (1 Corinthians 11:29). According to Orthodox tradition, he noted, the faithful approach Holy Communion after fasting, repentance, confession, and prayer, especially during Great Lent.
The Patriarch cautioned against a superficial approach to the Holy Mysteries, emphasizing that fasting must be accompanied by purification of conscience through repentance and confession. Only then, he said, does the grace of God vivify the soul, so that Holy Communion becomes not merely an outward act, but the true reception of Christ Himself.
Referring to St. John Chrysostom, he affirmed that through the reception of the life-giving Body and Blood of Christ, the life of Christ becomes active within us.
Concluding his homily, Patriarch Daniel urged the faithful not to be misled by modern opinions that diminish the need for confession, reverence, fasting, and preparation before Holy Communion. Indifference and presumption, he warned, can lead to spiritual harm. Instead, he called on all to approach the Holy Mysteries with a contrite heart, sincere faith, true love, and fear of God.
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria
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Photos: Vesela Ignatova
