Moscow: July 2, 2024
Photo: in-bulgaria.online
The newly elected Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel (formerly the Metropolitan of Vidin) is known for his piety, firm adherence to the sacred canons, and readiness to work sacrificially to strengthen the unity of the Orthodox Church, remarked His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, Foma News reports.
“On behalf of the hierarchs, clergy, monastics, and the entire fullness of the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as on my own behalf, I sincerely congratulate you on your election and enthronement to the Bulgarian Patriarchal Throne," said Patriarch Kirill in his congratulatory message to the newly elected Bulgarian Patriarch.
His Holiness noted that it was the Holy Spirit, along with the participants of the Patriarchal Electoral Church Council, who called Patriarch Daniel to the “high and responsible Primatial service, entrusting to him ... the fate of Bulgarian Orthodoxy.”
Patriarch Kirill also stated that in the person of Patriarch Daniel, the Bulgarian Church has gained “a worthy successor to the ever-memorable Bulgarian Patriarchs Cyril, Maxim, and Neophyte, who did much to preserve the ancestral spiritual traditions and to establish their flock in the holy Orthodox faith."
“The Russian Orthodox Church today sincerely rejoices with our beloved Sister Church, at the helm of which now stands a wise hierarch known for his piety, steadfast adherence to the sacred canonical order, and readiness for sacrificial labor in the name of strengthening church unity,” the Russian Patriarch emphasized.
Pointing out that the fraternal Russian and Bulgarian peoples are “co-heirs of the Slavic spiritual tradition, stemming from the works of the holy equal-to-the-apostles Cyril and Methodius,” the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church expressed confidence that “new bright pages will be added to the glorious centuries-old history of relations between our Churches” by Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel.
In conclusion, Patriarch Kirill wished the newly elected Primate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church “robust health, unceasing joy in the Lord, and His almighty help for many years of blessed Patriarchate, filled with fruitful accomplishments,” and to the faithful of the Bulgarian Church, he wished “prosperity and peace.”
