Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel has spoken about the life of Christian communities in the Holy Land and Jordan following his recent visit to the Jerusalem Patriarchate, highlighting the continued activity of Orthodox parishes and the restoration of historic churches and religious sites.

Speaking after a festive liturgy at the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God in Sofia, Patriarch Daniel said the situation in the region remained difficult but that seeing conditions firsthand provided a different perspective from media reports, according to the Sofia Metropolis.

“The situation there is not at all simple,” Daniel said.

The Bulgarian patriarch said Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos III told him that an unusually large number of people gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross on September 27, according to the old calendar, for the first time since the outbreak of hostilities.

Daniel said Christians in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and other communities continue to live amid anxiety and uncertainty. At the same time, he said he encountered active and close-knit parishes where church life remains vibrant.

The patriarch also highlighted ongoing efforts to preserve Christian holy sites. Restoration work is continuing at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, while restoration is also underway at a church in Bethlehem built at the site traditionally associated with the Nativity of Christ.

“During these difficult times, people are working to renew and preserve the holy sites for us and future generations,” Daniel said.

From September 28 to 30, the head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church visited Jordan, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Jerusalem Patriarchate. He noted what he described as support for the patriarchate from Jordanian authorities and the royal family.

Daniel particularly emphasized archaeological and conservation work at ancient Christian sites. Near the traditional site of Christ’s baptism, archaeological excavations have uncovered the foundations of Byzantine churches. Remains of churches and a monastery decorated with mosaics have also been found near a site associated with the Prophet Elijah.

The patriarch said Jordan opened the region’s first Orthodox university this year. He also noted that the Jerusalem Patriarchate operates 24 schools in the country, serving students from first through 12th grade. More than 800 people, both Christians and Muslims, work at the schools.

According to figures cited by Daniel, Jordan has around 100,000 Orthodox Christians, representing approximately 1% of the country’s population. He added that members of the Orthodox community participate in national and local government institutions.