On the day dedicated to the memory of St. Maxim the Confessor and St. Martyr Neophyte, Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte celebrated his name day.
The Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevski hosted a Synodical Divine Liturgy and prayer to mark this significant occasion.
Metropolitan Gregory of Veliko Tarnovo presided over the Holy Liturgy and the prayer service. Following the conclusion of the ceremony, Metropolitan Gregory conveyed greetings on behalf of the Holy Synod. He emphasized the special significance of the day in the festive calendar of the Orthodox Church, particularly in Bulgaria. This day has been celebrated for decades as the name day of the Bulgarian Patriarch, including the revered Patriarch Maxim and the current Patriarch Neophyte, both of whom have chosen names associated with the great Confessor of the Orthodox Faith – St. Maximus.
“On this auspicious occasion, let us intensify our personal and communal prayers for His Holiness. Through the intercession of the martyr Neophyte, let us fervently entreat the All-Giver God for the well-being of our Most Holy Patriarch. As Christians, we recognize the potent force of prayer, knowing that ‘the prayer of faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will raise him up’ (James 5:15). Guided by the apostolic injunction to be ‘joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer’ (Romans 12:12), let us unite our voices and hearts in prayer for Patriarch Neophyte. May our collective supplications ascend to Heaven, beseeching the All-Merciful God to fortify and sustain him, granting health and strength to continue his patriarchal service for the greater good of our holy Church, as he stands before God on behalf of us all.”
The service concluded with heartfelt wishes extended to Patriarch Neophyte, the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, and all Orthodox Christians commemorating this special day.
Source and photos: bg-patriarshia.bg
