Sofia, June 24, 2024
Photo: flagman.bg
The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and thousands of Orthodox faithful took a stand for traditional family values this weekend, as the LGBT organization Sofia Pride held its own 17th annual event.
The Sofia Globe reports that thousands of people participated in the LGBT event on Saturday, June 22.
The day before, the Bulgarian Synod issued a statement against the event, calling for the people to resist such attempts to impose sin as a normal lifestyle:
Dear children of our Holy Church,
On June 22, as Orthodox Christians offer prayers to the Almighty God for their deceased loved ones and entreat the repose of their souls, the so-called “Sofia Pride” will once again take place in Sofia, the city of Divine Wisdom. On the day of remembrance for the departed, we will once again witness a public demonstration of sin and its acceptance as a way of life.
The Holy Church has repeatedly stated that contemporary society, having detached itself from its Christian roots, regrettably misinterprets fundamental values such as love and freedom. Loving and respecting a person does not mean remaining silent or indifferent if they have taken a false or destructive path.
Therefore, with pastoral concern, responsibility, and fatherly love for all, we oppose attempts to impose sin as a norm and value in Bulgarian society.
We pray to the Almighty God, Who does not desire the death of the sinner but that he should turn from his way and live (Ezek. 33:11), to grant repentance and enlightenment to all, to forgive their transgressions, and to save them by His great mercy and love for mankind.
The Synod has issued many such statements in previous years.
A march in support of traditional family values was also arranged in Sofia on the same day as the Pride event, with more than 10,000 people in attendance, reports the Orthodoxia News Agency.
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