Patriarch Daniil and members of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church held a meeting with Bulgarian President Iliana Yotova to discuss the Church’s role in preserving spiritual values and promoting national unity, the Bulgarian Patriarchate’s press service reported.

During the conversation, Patriarch Daniil highlighted the high level of public trust in the institution of the presidency and emphasized the importance of the head of state’s mission to unite the nation.

President Yotova, in turn, underscored the historic role of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in the national liberation movement, the formation of Bulgarian statehood, and the preservation of spiritual values in the modern world.

“Faith unites us and nurtures the values we need in today’s dangerous world,” the president said, stressing that although state and church institutions have distinct roles, they can act in coordination for the well-being of citizens and the strengthening of the country’s international standing.

The meeting also focused on preparations for the Third International Cyrillic Forum, scheduled to take place in March. The president requested the Holy Synod’s blessing for the event. Previous forums were held with the support of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

A key theme of this year’s conference will be the legacy of Saint John of Rila, marking the 1,150th anniversary of his birth and the 1,080th anniversary of his death.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides exchanged commemorative gifts. Patriarch Daniil presented the president with an icon of Saint John of Rila, while President Yotova gifted the Patriarch a ceremonial altar cross.