In his opening address for the Dormition Fast, Patriarch Daniel of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has called on believers to pray for the people of Gaza, who are suffering from war, hunger, and natural disasters. The Patriarch's appeal came during a special prayer service on August 1, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Great Martyr Nedelya in Sofia.

During his sermon, Patriarch Daniel reminded the congregation of the importance of fasting and prayer in the life of an Orthodox Christian. He emphasized that through humility, prayer, and daily labor, believers can connect more deeply with God. The Patriarch pointed to the Virgin Mary as the ultimate example of such devotion, describing her as "the greatest teacher of unity with the Lord."

Turning to the global crisis, Patriarch Daniel addressed the dire situation in Gaza, where millions are enduring hunger and despair. He urged the faithful to pray particularly for the residents of Gaza, many of whom are facing severe malnutrition.

"Not far from us, in places where millions once lived, people are now dying of hunger and hopelessness," said the Patriarch. "Let us especially pray for those suffering in Gaza—those who are hungry, those who are exhausted, and those left in helplessness. May God help them, and may He guide those responsible for ending this tragedy."

According to Gaza's Ministry of Health, 175 people, including 93 children, have died from hunger since the blockade began. Since March 2025, no international humanitarian aid has been allowed into the region due to the closure of all border crossings. The distribution of limited food supplies is now under the control of Israel and the United States, which has further exacerbated the crisis.

The situation worsened in March 2025 when Israel resumed military operations in Gaza, breaking the ceasefire agreement that had been in place since January. Despite several rounds of negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, the warring parties have been unable to agree on a new deal.