At its session on 12th February 2026 (Protocol No. 1, in full composition), the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Bulgaria decided to award Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech the Order of Saints Cyril and Methodius, First Class, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of his election as diocesan Metropolitan, as well as in recognition of his ecclesiastical service. This decision followed a proposal by Metropolitan Nicholas of Plovdiv.
Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria wished Metropolitan Gabriel many more years of zeal in the Church’s ministry, perseverance in his work and God’s help in all his endeavours. In turn, Metropolitan Gabriel expressed his gratitude for this honour and voiced his hope that, with the support of the Patriarch of Bulgaria and the hierarchs of the Holy Synod, God would assist him in his ministry.
