The enthronement of the newly elected Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria took place in the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky in Sofia on June 30, 2024. The Bulgarian news agency BTA reports that representatives of the Local Orthodox Churches, Bulgarian state officials, including President Rumen Radev, and numerous believers attended the celebrations.
Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, the chief secretary of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, announced the decision of the Church-National Electoral Council, which elected Metropolitan Daniel of Vidin as the 29th Patriarch of Bulgaria and Metropolitan of Sofia by a majority vote.
The hierarchs of the Holy Synod placed the symbols of patriarchal dignity on His Holiness Daniel, distinguishing him as the first among equals, and vested him in the green patriarchal mantle.
At the end of the ceremony, Patriarch Daniel addressed the clergy and faithful, outlining the priorities of his ministry. He emphasized the importance of defending the interests of the Church, diplomacy in relations with state and public institutions, and educating the people in Orthodox faith and piety.
The head of the Bulgarian Church stated his commitment to unity in Christ and fraternal service with the hierarchs of the Holy Synod, caring for the spiritual flock. He expressed his determination to be a support for the faithful, uphold the purity of the Christian faith, and encourage people on the path to salvation. Patriarch Daniel also stressed the need to follow the example of his predecessors, showing principles, tact, and readiness for self-sacrifice in protecting the Church's interests.
"I will strive for unity in Christ and fraternal service with the hierarchs of the Holy Synod in a spirit of mutual respect and support in our common cause. Caring for our spiritual flock will be the guiding principle in our ministry as the Primate of our Orthodox Church and the head of the Holy Synod," said Patriarch Daniel.
President Radev noted that the election of the head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church comes at a time of trials and upheavals for all humanity. "Therefore, we turn to Patriarch Daniel in the hope that he will stand for the unity and autocephaly of our Church and the good of the Motherland. To instill faith that our Orthodox Church will remain the guardian of life, the keeper of peace, and the bulwark of its historical mission to be the moral support for the Bulgarian people, to lead them to spiritual growth, give them hope and guidance in difficult days," Radev said.
Photo: Bulgarian Patriarchate / bg-patriarshia.bg