The Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky in Sofia marked its summer patronal feast on Friday with solemn celebrations and a festive Divine Liturgy.
Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria presided over the service, concelebrating with bishops and clergy including Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod; Bishop Sioniy of Velichka, Abbot of Bachkovo Monastery; Bishop Meletiy of Znepol, Rector of Sofia Theological Seminary; Bishop Vasiliy of Dragovitiy, Abbot of Troyan Monastery; and Bishop Ioan of Branitsa, First Vicar of the Metropolitan of Sofia. They were joined by Archimandrite Stefan of Troyan Monastery, the cathedral clergy, Sofia priests, Deacon Borislav Vasilev, and Protodeacons Ivan Petkov and Deyan Korunovski.
Speaking to the media before the service, Patriarch Daniil described the summer feast as “a great celebration for our Patriarchal Cathedral, built in gratitude for all the Russian soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom.” He urged the faithful to pray to St. Alexander “to intercede for us so that we may safeguard Orthodoxy and defend Bulgaria’s independence.”
Dozens of Orthodox Christians received Holy Communion during the liturgy. In his closing remarks, Patriarch Daniil reflected on the life and legacy of St. Alexander Nevsky, emphasizing his unwavering faith in God.
The feast concluded with a Polychronion (Many Years) for the Bulgarian Patriarch, the Holy Synod, and all Orthodox Christians celebrating the day.
Text, photos, and video: Angel Karadakov
