Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria received at the Synodal Palace the Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria, Mrs. Yordanka Chobanova. Ms. Chobanova congratulated Patriarch Daniel on his election and wished him a blessed ministry for the benefit of the Orthodox Church of Bulgaria and the Bulgarian people, stressing the readiness of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria to cooperate with the Church in various socially significant issues. “I wish you much strength and may God guide you in your highly responsible work,” said Yordanka Chobanova.
The Patriarch, for his part, emphasized the important work of the Church in preserving man and protecting his soul from the destructive influences of sin. “The Church is an important partner in the work of the European Commission and should not be neglected,” said the Patriarch, who also expressed the desire to implement various useful initiatives in the future, drawing on the experience of Bulgaria’s neighboring countries, where there are long-standing relations between religious institutions and the European Commission. “People need spiritual leaders because there is a great division in our society,” said Mrs. Chobanova.
During the reception, the topic of the Committee of Representatives of Orthodox Churches in the EU, in which the Orthodox Church of Bulgaria participates through Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe, was also discussed. At the end of the meeting, Patriarch Daniel wished Mrs. Chobanova a productive work and presented her with an icon of the Lord Jesus Christ, wishing Him to protect and help her in her work as the Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria.
