At the invitation of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Iliana Iotova, met with Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria and the Metropolitans of the Holy Synod.
During the meeting, Patriarch Daniel emphasized that, over the last two terms, the Presidency has enjoyed a high level of public trust in Bulgarian society due to its consistent policies that benefit the people. He wished Iotova continued success in fulfilling the fundamental mission of the head of state: uniting the nation.
In turn, President Iotova highlighted the historic role of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in national liberation struggles, the liberation, and the establishment of the Third Bulgarian State. She also emphasized the importance of its contributions during this challenging period. “Faith unites us and instills in us values that are essential in today’s dangerous world,” Ms. Iotova stated, adding: “We are all called to serve our people, and despite our differences, we can work together for the prosperity of the Bulgarian people and the country’s international standing.”
Ms. Iotova requested the Holy Synod’s blessing to organize the third International Forum on the Cyrillic Alphabet, which is scheduled for March. The previous two editions of the forum were held with the support and participation of the Holy Synod. This year’s conference will focus on the life and work of Saint John of Rila to mark two significant anniversaries: the 1,150th anniversary of his birth and the 1,080th anniversary of his death.
On the occasion of the 1,080th anniversary of the repose of Saint John of Rila, the Patriarch presented the President of the Republic with an icon of the Saint. In turn, President Rumen Radev’s wife, President Ivetta Iotova, presented Patriarch Daniel with an altar cross. She expressed her wish that he and the hierarchs of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church continue to guide Orthodox Christians along the path of salvation.
