On November 30, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrated the feast day of St. Andrew the First-Called Apostle. His Holiness Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St. Andrew in the Bulgarian capital.

Before the Liturgy, Patriarch Daniel consecrated antimensia for the Sofia Metropolis, as reported by the Representation of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia in Sofia.

The Patriarch was joined by: Bishop Pahomiy of Branitsa, First Vicar of the Sofia Metropolis, Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod,
Archimandrite Ioan (Peshev), Protosingel of the Sofia Metropolis, Protopriest Vladimir Tyshchuk, Representative of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia to the Patriarch of Bulgaria, Stavrophore Priest Neluts Oprya, Representative of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Bulgaria and other clergy of the Sofia Metropolis.

After the service, Patriarch Daniel congratulated the parish on their feast day. In his sermon, he highlighted St. Andrew as a model of Christian life, emphasizing the Apostle's unwavering dedication to Christ, abandoning worldly goods to follow Him.

Patriarch Daniel spoke about the transformation of the Apostles—from human frailty to spiritual strength through the grace of the Holy Spirit. He also elaborated on St. Andrew's missionary work, preaching the Gospel across the Black Sea region, Asia Minor, the Balkans, and as far as Kyiv.

The Patriarch underscored that St. Andrew’s martyrdom mirrored Christ’s sacrifice, affirming the victory of faith and love.

In conclusion, he urged the faithful to preserve the faith and grace received at baptism, bearing witness to the eternal life granted by Christ. The celebration ended with prayers for the Patriarch, the Holy Synod, and all Orthodox Christians.