On September 7, a solemn memorial service marking the six-month anniversary of the passing of Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte was held at the Cathedral of St. Nedelya in Sofia, according to bg-patriarshia.bg. The Divine Liturgy was led by His Holiness Patriarch Daniel, Metropolitan of Sofia, and served by bishops of the Bulgarian Church along with a representative of the Moscow Patriarchate. The commemorative events concluded with a requiem service at Patriarch Neophyte's grave, located next to the St. Nedelya Cathedral.

The Bulgarian Church’s hierarchy in attendance included Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe, Bishop Gerasimos of Melnik (chief secretary of the Holy Synod), Bishop Polycarp of Belogradchik (the second patriarchal vicar), Bishop Pakhomios of Branitza (first vicar of the Sofia Metropolis), Bishop Isaac of Velbazhd, and others. From the Russian Orthodox Church, Archpriest Vladimir Tyshchuk, the representative of the Patriarch of Moscow to the Patriarch of Bulgaria, participated in the service.

In his sermon, Patriarch Daniel reflected on the significant contributions of Patriarch Neophyte, particularly his role in guiding the Bulgarian Orthodox Church through difficult times, including healing the church’s internal schism. He also praised Neophyte’s humility and spiritual endurance during his prolonged illness.

Patriarch Neophyte had led the Bulgarian Orthodox Church since 2013 until his passing in March 2024. His early life was marked by spiritual and academic development. He graduated from the Sofia Theological Academy, pursued postgraduate studies at the Moscow Theological Academy, and returned to Bulgaria, where he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the Metropolitan of Ruse before his election as Patriarch.

Patriarch Daniel also recalled Neophyte’s talents, especially in church music, and his leadership of the Sofia Theological Academy and the newly formed Faculty of Theology at Sofia University. Neophyte’s legacy, both in education and church leadership, left a profound impact on the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.