A solemn procession was held in Sofia on September 12 as the Bulgarian Orthodox Church began celebrations marking 1,700 years since the discovery of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord.
Following Small Vespers at the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the procession made its way to the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky, led by Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria and hierarchs of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
A relic of the Holy Cross was carried through the streets of the Bulgarian capital and was later made available for veneration during the vigil.
Dozens of faithful from Sofia and other parts of Bulgaria took part in the procession. Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova was also present.
The procession arrived at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral shortly before 7 p.m., where an All-Night Vigil was presided over by Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod.
Addressing the faithful, Patriarch Daniel reflected on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross.
“The struggle against evil within us is the most difficult struggle. The struggle against sin is the greatest struggle, while man’s greatest enemy is the devil,” the Patriarch said.
“On the Cross, the Lord defeated this terrible enemy. On the Cross, the Lord defeated the enemy of human salvation, and this struggle is the most important of all those that have been fought on earth,” he added.
Patriarch Daniel thanked the clergy and faithful who participated in the procession and prayed that the Holy Cross would strengthen Christians in their love for God and for one another.
“As today we passed through the streets of the city and sanctified the air, the buildings and the surrounding space through the power of the Holy and Life-Giving Cross, may the Lord enlighten the minds and hearts of all those who live in Sofia,” he said.
The celebrations continue on September 13 with a Divine Liturgy at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, presided over by Patriarch Daniel and concelebrated by members of the Holy Synod, bishops and clergy.
Text, photos and video: Angel Karadakov
