During a sermon at the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church in Ihtiman, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria remarked that modern individuals frequently live as though God is absent from their lives, a reality that leads to spiritual confusion and a loss of meaning. This address was reported on the website of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

In his sermon, the Patriarch elaborated on the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian, which is recited in Orthodox churches during Great Lent. He explained that the words of this prayer accurately reflect the spiritual states in which individuals often find themselves: idleness, despondency, desire for power, and empty talk.

The Patriarch emphasized that the request for a "spirit of chastity" signifies not only moral purity but, crucially, an inward attentiveness—an ability to live with a constant sense of God's presence. However, he noted that many people frequently lose this connection. "We often live as if God does not exist: we lose hope, succumb to cowardice, and begin to think that nothing has any meaning," he stated.

According to Patriarch Daniel, one of the root causes of this state is pride and the desire for recognition. Even good deeds can lead to spiritual loss if individuals begin to expect praise and gratitude from others.

He added that without humility and patience, maintaining spiritual clarity is impossible. Once patience is lost, people start blaming others, thereby undermining what has been achieved through prolonged inner effort.

Regarding the meaning of repentance, the Patriarch highlighted that it should culminate in love—both for God and for others. He noted that the journey towards this love begins with simple acts: participation in worship, prayer, confession, and communion.

"Through the Church's prayer, a person begins to see their own mistakes and gains the strength to start a spiritual struggle," said Patriarch Daniel, urging the faithful to find time for worship even on weekdays during Lent.