On the occasion of the nine-month memorial of the late Patriarch Neophyte of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, a solemn liturgical commemoration was held, reflecting the deep love and respect he inspired among the faithful. Metropolitan Joseph of the United States, Canada, and Australia delivered an emotional address, saying, “Grandfather Neophyte, we love you! We pray for you today, believing that you are now in the dwelling of the righteous. Our heartfelt wish is for you to rest at the right hand of the Savior. Rest in peace and light.”
The memorial services were led by Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria, who presided over the Divine Liturgy alongside Metropolitan Joseph, Archimandrite Ioan, Protosyncellus of the Sofia Holy Metropolis, Archimandrite Kliment from the US, Canada, and Australia Diocese, Archimandrite Vasily, chairman of the Cathedral of Saint Nedelya, and the cathedral clergy. Protodeacons Ivan Petkov and Deyan Korunovski also participated.
The liturgical hymns were performed by a choir under the direction of Dr. Andrey Kasabov. The services also included prayerful participation by Archimandrite Bartholomew, Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Esphigmenou on Mount Athos, accompanied by Archimandrite Nikanor, Abbot of the Tsarnogorski Monastery of Saints Cosmas and Damian.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a memorial service was conducted, joined by several hierarchs, including Metropolitans Joseph of the United States, Canada, and Australia, Gregory of Veliko Tarnovo, John of Varna and Veliki Preslav, and Gregory of Vratsa, as well as Bishops Gerasimos of Melnik, Secretary-General of the Holy Synod, and Panteleimon of Branitsa, Vicar of the Sofia Metropolitan.
During his address, Metropolitan Joseph reflected on Patriarch Neophyte’s life and legacy. He remarked on the late Patriarch’s dedication to the souls of the faithful, stating, “We had a Patriarch. His name was Neophyte. Not only beloved by Sofia and the Sofia Metropolis but by the entire Bulgarian Orthodox Diocese worldwide. He tirelessly cared for the souls of Orthodox Bulgarians.” Metropolitan Joseph emphasized the Patriarch’s focus on the spiritual over the material, quoting his words: “If all I offer you is what you can find on the internet, I give you nothing. My goal is to help you free yourselves from dark, negative, and distracting thoughts, and to make room within for God.”
The Metropolitan also highlighted Patriarch Neophyte’s monastic teachings, reminding the faithful that the spiritual struggle extends beyond the flesh to include the battle against thoughts and distractions.
A Trisagion was performed at Patriarch Neophyte’s grave under the southern colonnade of Saint Nedelya Cathedral. In concluding the memorial, Patriarch Daniel stated, “We will always remember Grandfather Neophyte for his gentleness, humility, and peacemaking spirit.”
Source and photos: Patriarchate of Bulgaria
