The Bulgarian Orthodox Church marked the second anniversary of the election and enthronement of Patriarch Daniil with solemn celebrations at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky in Sofia, where the primate expressed gratitude for what he described as growing public confidence in the Church and its mission.

The festive Divine Liturgy, held on the Feast of the Synaxis of the Twelve Apostles, was led by Patriarch Daniil and concelebrated by metropolitans and bishops of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

In his homily, the Patriarch described episcopal ministry as a profound responsibility, saying that "it is difficult to comprehend the greatness of the ministry with which the Lord entrusts a person." He noted that the coincidence of the anniversary of his enthronement with the feast of the Twelve Apostles carries special symbolic meaning, reminding the Church of its calling to preach the Gospel and preserve spiritual unity.

Patriarch Daniil identified the high level of public trust in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church as one of the greatest reasons for thanksgiving. He said that recent years have seen a favorable environment for the Church's work, adding that state institutions and the Bulgarian Parliament have repeatedly supported initiatives aimed at safeguarding church unity and promoting spiritual education.

Speaking to journalists before the service, Patriarch Daniil said that Orthodox faithful themselves should judge his two years as head of the Church. At the same time, he expressed hope that the authority of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church would continue to grow and that its mission would resonate with an ever-wider audience.

Among the issues highlighted by the Patriarch was the planned introduction of the school subject "Virtues and Religion." He recalled that the Holy Synod had advocated for the initiative for many years and welcomed the opportunity to see it implemented.

During his remarks to the media, Patriarch Daniil also urged that church matters should not be mixed with politics. Commenting on European Union sanctions against Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus', he argued that such measures often reflect political and economic interests rather than a consistent approach to assessing international conflicts.

Following the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Daniil received congratulations from metropolitans of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, representatives of the Sofia Metropolis, and delegates of the Romanian Orthodox Church. Bulgarian Prime Minister also sent a congratulatory message, praising the constructive cooperation between the state and the Church and describing the Bulgarian Orthodox Church as one of the country's most important spiritual pillars.

Patriarch Daniil was elected Primate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church on June 30, 2024, during the Patriarchal Electoral Church Council in Sofia. Previously serving as Metropolitan of Vidin, he was enthroned at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral after winning the second round of voting.