On August 19, Metropolitan Nikolai of Plovdiv received in the episcopal city of Plovdiv a delegation led by Metropolitan Panteleimon of Xanthi, accompanied by students from youth camps organized by the Metropolis of Xanthi.
The distinguished guests were welcomed together with the Metropolitan by Bishop Polycarp of Belogradchik and Bishop Visarion of Smolyan, both auxiliary bishops of the Plovdiv Metropolis, along with Archimandrite Maxim, diocesan inspector, Archimandrite Euthymios, and Protopresbyter Vasilij Kashorov.
Metropolitan Panteleimon was received at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Marina and later at the old building of the Plovdiv Metropolis, where he was introduced to the treasured icons and holy relics preserved there, as well as to significant moments from the rich history of the Plovdiv episcopal see, founded by St. Hermas, one of the Seventy Apostles.
Metropolitan Nikolai presented to the visitors the leadership of the Metropolis and informed them about the liturgical life, cultural, educational, and social activities, as well as church construction projects within the diocese.
The guests then visited the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos, the Church of St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki, the newly built Church of the Holy Archangels, the new Metropolitan residence on Dzhambaz Tepe, and the Church of Sts. Constantine and Helena.
In the new building of the Plovdiv Metropolis atop the hill, the hierarchs and guests held a profound and friendly conversation aimed at strengthening fraternal relations between the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and the Church of Greece.
Later, Metropolitans Nikolai and Panteleimon visited the Municipality of Plovdiv, where they were welcomed by the Mayor, Mr. Kostadin Dimitrov.
At the conclusion of the visit, Metropolitan Nikolai of Plovdiv and Metropolitan Panteleimon of Xanthi exchanged gifts as a sign of fraternal love and for lasting prayerful remembrance.
Source and photos: Patriarchate of Bulgaria
