Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia Daniil has presented a consecrated icon of the Holy Mother of God with the Child to the Orthodox church at Bulgaria’s Antarctic research base “St. Kliment Ohridski” on Livingston Island, the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) reported, citing the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute.

The icon was handed to the head of the Bulgarian Antarctic expedition, Professor Hristo Pimpirev, during a solemn church service at the St. Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral in Sofia. Patriarch Daniil blessed the members of the expedition and wished them a successful mission and a safe journey.

Speaking at the service, the head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church said that scientific research is part of humanity’s responsibility to explore and understand the world and God’s creation. He described Bulgaria’s presence in Antarctica as a significant national achievement, noted the harsh working conditions on the icy continent, and expressed hope that faith and mutual support would help polar researchers in their service to science.

The icon has been installed in a new laboratory building at the Bulgarian Antarctic base, which became fully operational during the current season. The facility includes living quarters for expedition members as well as scientific laboratories.

The Bulgarian Patriarchate also said that additional icons of the Mother of God were consecrated during the service for the Orthodox chapel at the Antarctic base.

Bulgaria’s research station on Livingston Island has been operating for more than two decades and is used for geological, climatic, and biological studies. Transportation of expedition members and equipment is carried out by the research vessel Sts. Cyril and Methodius.