Mount Athos, October 24, 2026
Photo: bg-patriarshia.bg
Seven hundred fifty years after 26 monks and laymen chose to burn rather than betray their faith, Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil led the All-Night Vigil and Divine Liturgy for their feast yesterday and today at Zographou, the Bulgarian monastery on Mount Athos.
His Holiness Patriarch Daniil concelebrated with four other hierarchs of the Bulgarian Church, including His Grace Bishop Kliment of Levski, vicar of the Metropolitan of the USA, Canada and Australia, who was himself a monk at Zographou before being chosen for ministry in America. They were joined by clergy of the monastery and other visiting clerics, reports the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
The hymns at the Vigil and Liturgy were sung by visiting monks from the Cell of St. Nicholas of Myra (Burazeri) and the St. Naum of Ohrid choir.
After the Liturgy, the monastery’s abbot, Archimandrite Gabriel, addressed the Patriarch, saying the brotherhood was glad to welcome him. He compared the pagan Roman emperors’ attitude toward the martyrs with that of the totalitarian authorities of the socialist era. “In these modern times, believers were accused of being class enemies and were punished as such, and some of them were even granted a martyr’s end,” Archimandrite Gabriel said.
Photo: bg-patriarshia.bg
He added that the martyrs’ death should lead us to understand that unity isn’t achieved by orders handed down from above. “Unity is, and can only be, a grace-filled action within the grace-filled fold of the Church, because the Church is one, just as her Creator is one,” Archimandrite Gabriel said.
As a token of gratitude, he gave the Patriarch a painting of the courtyard and katholikon of Zographou Monastery, so that whenever he feels a spiritual need, he can recall his stay at the monastery and the feast of the 26 Martyrs.
Patriarch Daniil also expressed thanks for his blessed stay in the Garden of the Mother of God. “The grace of the Holy Spirit gathered us to celebrate the memory of the holy 26 Zographou Martyrs… Their memory shines with Christ’s light, which enlightens every man coming into the world,” His Holiness said.
He also spoke of the wonder-working icon of the Mother of God the Foretelling (Prodromitissa), who foretold to the monastery’s brothers the trials they would suffer at the hands of the Latins. “Here is the care of the Mother of God. Her providential foretelling tells us that she watches over the life and struggle of those who believe in her Son, and also provides a way to overcome hardships and gives strength, obtaining gracious help through her prayers, so that we can overcome trials,” Patriarch Daniil said. “The Mother of God and her Son accept as a fragrant offering the struggle of these 26 people, 22 monks and 4 laymen, who chose to burn in the fire but keep the fire of love for God burning in their hearts,” he said.
Photo: bg-patriarshia.bg
In gratitude, the Patriarch gave the abbot a cross bearing the image of St. John of Rila the Wonderworker. He also gave an icon of St. Clement of Ohrid, that he may intercede for and protect the monastery’s brotherhood and all pilgrims there.
After the festive meal, the spiritual celebration concluded in the church with prayer and thanksgiving to God.
During his time on the Holy Mountain, Patriarch Daniil also visited the Protaton, Iveron Monastery, Vatopedi Monastery and the Burazeri Cell, which is under the authority of the Serbian Hilandar Monastery.
Watch highlights from the Vigil and Liturgy:
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