On Bright Friday, April 23, 2025, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the “Life-Giving Spring” in the Poduyane district of Sofia, together with clergy of the Holy Metropolis of Sofia.
During the service, 12-year-old Zachary was tonsured as a reader, chanter, and candle bearer. Among the many faithful attending were the Mayor of Poduyane, Engineer Kristian Hristov, and Deputy Mayor Dr. Andrea Pandoulis.
In his sermon, Patriarch Daniel emphasized that “Christ has truly risen and given us eternal life,” stressing that the Resurrection is not simply a memory but “a living reality that transforms hearts and renews lives.” He urged the faithful: “Let us live with repentance, firmly rooted in the faith of the Risen Lord Jesus Christ,” and reminded that “the time given to us is for knowing and embracing Christ.”
Patriarch Daniel also highlighted the vibrant growth of Orthodoxy today: “The Holy Orthodox Church is one of the fastest-growing among Christian confessions—not by coercion, as in some others, but because people’s hearts turn to God, especially in countries like the USA, Canada, and Mexico, where traditionally Catholic and Protestant traditions have prevailed for centuries.
Today, many turn to and desire to be baptized and join Orthodoxy because they see that the life of grace is present in the Church, and the Lord grants it to all who sincerely and genuinely believe.”
He also underlined the powerful intercession of the Mother of God, saying: “By the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos, may the Lord pour out upon us the life-giving streams of His grace, healing our infirmities, and strengthening us in faith.”
After the Liturgy, a blessing of the waters and of the festive food was performed in the courtyard of the church.
At the end of the service, Presbyter Simeon Ivanov thanked the Patriarch for his visit and the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, offering him an icon of the Mother of God – Life-Giving Spring – as a sign of filial love and gratitude.
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria
