On the occasion of the passing away of Patriarch Neophyte of Bulgaria, Patriarch Porfije of Serbia extended his condolences via a statement.
In his message, the Patriarch of Serbia said: “Having received the news of the repose in Christ of our beloved brother, Patriarch Neophyte of blessed memory, we are deeply saddened, but we do not surrender to grief like those who have no hope (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:13), having unshakable faith in the resurrection. On behalf of the archpriests, the clergy, the monks and the faithful of the Serbian Orthodox Church, as well as myself personally, we express our condolences to the Holy Synod, the clergy and all the faithful of the sister Orthodox Church of Bulgaria for the passing away of this great Hierarch.
The life of the Blessed Patriarch Neophyte, filled with prayerful praises to the Almighty God, was a kind of rule of faith in our daily spiritual and social challenges. As a Christ-loving and Christ-bearing high priest, he wisely steered the ship of the local Church of Bulgaria entrusted to him, in the hope that this restless world would finally be brought to the peaceful harbor of the Kingdom of God. For this reason, we consider his death a great loss not only for the Bulgarian Church but also for all of Orthodoxy. The paternal love and philanthropy that characterized Patriarch Neophyte assures us that those who knew him, though overcome with grief, will reciprocate with prayers for the repose of his soul. The Serbian Church adds its prayers to theirs on this sad day.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Resurrection and the Life (Jn 11:25), may He rest the soul of Patriarch Neophyte Patriarch among the righteous, where there is no sickness, nor sorrow, nor sighing, but where life is infinite, and true light already shines (1 Jn 2:8). May his memory be eternal and blessed.”