On September 13, six months will have passed since the passing of Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia, Neofit, who passed away on March 13 of this year.
To mark this occasion, a memorial service was led by Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Sofia. Joining him in the service were Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe, Bishop Gerasim of Melnishki, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod, Bishop Polycarp of Belogradchishki, the second Patriarchal Vicar, Bishop Pachomius of Branitsky, the first vicar of the Metropolitan of Sofia, Bishop Isaac of Velbazhdski, the second vicar of the Metropolitan of Sofia, along with Archimandrite John, Protosyncellus of the Sofia Metropolis, Archimandrite Basil, chairman of the capital’s metropolitan cathedral, and clergy from various Orthodox churches including Prot. Vladimir Tischuk, representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Bulgaria. Also present were Archimandrites Euthymius and Nicodemus, temple clergy, metropolitan priests, and deacons led by Archdeacon Ivan Petkov.
In his speech, Patriarch Daniel emphasized the deep faith, dedication, and humility of the late Patriarch Neofit. He praised Neofit for his lifelong commitment to God, which began in a devout family and was nurtured through his education at the Theological Seminary and Academy. Neofit’s dedication to Church music, his leadership during difficult times, and his unwavering faith in the face of adversity were highlighted. Patriarch Daniel also spoke of Neofit’s patient suffering during his final years, believing it helped purify his soul, and expressed confidence that Neofit now prays for all before God’s throne.
At the gravesite of Patriarch Neofit, situated near the Metropolitan Cathedral, a Trisagion service was solemnly performed by the attending clergy.
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria
