Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria emphasized the spiritual significance of Saint George’s Day during a special appearance on Bulgarian National Television’s festive program marking the Day of Bravery on May 6, stressing that the feast is not only a national and military celebration but also a profound spiritual occasion uniting Bulgarians through faith and the struggle against evil.
Speaking during the broadcast, Patriarch Daniel described Saint George as one of the most beloved saints in Bulgaria. He noted that around 200,000 Bulgarians celebrate their name day on Saint George’s feast, making it “a nationwide celebration” shared by the army, the state, farmers, and ordinary citizens alike.
“At the same time, more and more people are seeking the spiritual side of the feast by visiting monasteries and holy places,” the Patriarch said. “Through the prayers and grace of Saint George, people feel a deeper connection with the saint.”
Patriarch Daniel underlined that Saint George’s greatest message is courage in confronting evil, especially the evil within oneself. “His true holiness was revealed when he refused to renounce his faith and persecute Christians,” he stated. “He shows us that we must be brave, above all in the battle against evil.”
Responding to questions about war and peace, the Bulgarian Patriarch said that the only truly “blessed war” is spiritual rather than earthly. “The true blessed war is the struggle against evil,” he explained. “This spiritual battle is daily — against passions such as hatred, envy, greed, and lust for power.”
He warned that when people allow evil to guide them, it can lead to catastrophic consequences, citing historical tragedies such as the World War II. According to the Patriarch, modern conflicts also emerge when individuals or ideologies place themselves “in the place of God” and attempt to decide the fate of others.
Patriarch Daniel also highlighted the Church’s responsibility to act as a moral voice in society. “The Church is called to bear witness to the truth,” he said, adding that it must expose policies built on lies and deception in order to prevent people from participating in evil while believing they are doing good.
Reflecting on the meaning of peace, the Patriarch described it as a divine gift often appreciated only after it has been lost. “True peace is a gift from God — not the kind the world imposes through force, but peace that comes through repentance and love,” he stated.
Concluding his message, Patriarch Daniel offered a prayer to the Bulgarian people: “Lord, help me to endure until the end.”
According to the Patriarch, the growing conflicts and instability seen across the world today are rooted in sin and humanity’s increasing distance from God.
