Lozen, Bulgarian, December 25, 2020
Photo: bg-patriarshia.bg
On December 21, with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Neofit of Sofia and All Bulgaria, the rite of monastic tonsure was celebrated at the Holy Savior Convent in Lozen, just outside of the capital city of Sofia.
At the request of the abbess, Mother Theodora, three novices were tonsured into the small schema. Thus, the novices Michaela, Nadka, and Magdalena became the nuns Anastasia, Anisia, and Agatha, reports the press service of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
Photo: bg-patriarshia.bg
The rite of monastic tonsure was served by His Grace Bishop Polycarp of Belogradchik, vicar of the Patriarch in the Metropolis of Sofia, during the evening service in the monastery church. The service was attended by the abbots of several other monasteries and a number of Sofia clerics, as well as a number of pious faithful.
Photo: bg-patriarshia.bg
Following the tonsure, Bp. Polycarp offered a homily in which he spoke about monastic asceticism and the joy of the fact that Bulgarian monasteries are experiencing a time of revival:
In the monastic life and deeds, there is no greater joy than the multiplication of monks and nuns. There is no greater joy than to see Christ acquire even more of His servants, who will be victorious over sin and evil. We are glad that Christ has gathered us today for a “wedding in Heaven,” and that is a great spiritual joy. The weather may be gloomy and cold, but it is a really warm summer in our hearts, because God, in His condescension, has granted these pious women to take the path of the angelic life, the path that will make them worthy brides of Christ.
His Grace then wished the new nuns faith, hope, and love, as well as patience and humility, to serve as good examples in the monastic life.
The guests and pilgrims were then treated to a meal in the monastery trapeza.
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