On September 1, 2024, Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Nedelya. Joining him in the service were the following bishops: Gerasim of Melniški, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod; Polycarp of Belogradchish, Second Patriarchal Vicar; Pachomius of Branitsky, First Vicar of the Metropolitan of Sofia; Isaak of Velbazhda, Second Vicar of the Metropolitan of Sofia; as well as Archimandrites John, Basil, Euthymius, and Nicodemus, along with the cathedral clergy and deacons.
The hymns during the morning service were performed by church singers led by Dr. Andrey Kasabov, while the choir of the Metropolitan Cathedral provided the musical accompaniment during the Holy Liturgy.
During the Communion Canon, the Patriarch’s District Message was read, celebrating the beginning of the Church New Year and the Feast of Indiction.
In his sermon, Patriarch Daniil reflected on the significance of the day: “Today, September 1, marks the beginning of the Indiction and the New Ecclesiastical Year. While we measure time through civil, financial, and various national calendars, for us Orthodox Christians, the true New Year began with the birth of Jesus Christ. In coming to our world, marred by sin, the Creator of all things came to mend the great damage caused by the Fall.
The world we live in is broken and does not align with God’s original plan. Death was not part of this plan but was permitted by God as a corrective measure. As we profess in the Creed, ‘I believe in the resurrection of the dead and life in the age to come. Amen.’
We believe in eternal life and are given the opportunity to experience it here and now. This time is granted by the Lord for repentance, transformation, and sanctification. May the Lord guide us to seek Him, strengthen our faith, and embody the eternal virtues of Christ, so we may inherit eternal life in His Kingdom. Happy Church New Year,” Patriarch Daniil concluded.
Following the service, a hymn was sung in honor of Patriarch Daniil and the Holy Synod, celebrating their years of dedicated service.
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria
