Sacred relics were solemnly welcomed on Sunday at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Great Martyr Nedelya in Sofia. The relics include a fragment of the honorable hand of Saint David of Evia and a skufia from the vestment covering the relics of Saint John the Russian.
With the blessing of Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria, the relics were brought to Bulgaria by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida, accompanied by Bishop Nikodimos of Skopelos and clergy of the Greek Orthodox Church.
Following their official reception at the Holy Metropolis of Sofia, the relics were initially placed in the chapel of St Great Martyr Marina. Later, during a litany, they were transferred to the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Nedelya, where they were set forth for veneration by the faithful.
The evening service was presided over by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida, concelebrating with Archpriest Petar Slavov, president of the church council, members of the cathedral clergy, clergy of the city of Sofia, and deacons led by Protopresbyter Ivan Petkov. The hymns were rendered by the choir “St Naum of Ohrid,” under the direction of Dr. Andrey Kasabov, Secretary of the Holy Metropolis of Sofia.
At the conclusion of the service, Patriarch Daniel warmly welcomed the Greek delegation and expressed gratitude for the blessing of hosting relics of two great saints of the Orthodox Church. He referred to the enduring spiritual witness of St John the Russian and St David of Evia, whose lives, he noted, continue to inspire and strengthen the faithful.
Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida, addressing Patriarch Daniel, conveyed his deep gratitude for the invitation and relayed the warm greetings of Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens, who granted the canonical permission for the transfer of the relics. He stressed that the saints belong to the entire Church of Christ and concluded by offering prayers that St David, St John the Russian, and St Iakovos may protect the Bulgarian Patriarch and grant him health and strength in his high and responsible ministry.
Photos: Vesela Ignatova
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