Ecumenical Patriarch and Patriarch of Bulgaria: Common message of peace, unity and dialogue from Sofiatranslated

Messages of peace, unity and the search for ways of dialogue were broadcast by the Ecumenical Patriarch Mr. Bartholomew and the Patriarch of Bulgaria Mr. Daniel, during their arrival at the Patriarchal Cathedral of Saint Alexander Nevsky in Sofia, on Sunday morning, October 18, 2026, before the beginning of the Polyarchate Divine Liturgy. The Ecumenical Patriarch is visiting Bulgaria as a guest of Patriarch Daniel, on the occasion of the anniversary events in honor of Saint John of Rila, one of the most important figures of Bulgarian Orthodoxy, who is honored as the spiritual patron of the Bulgarian people.

In his statements before the start of the solemn service, Mr. Bartholomew expressed his joy at his presence in the neighboring country, underlining the fraternal ties that have developed with the Primate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

"It is with great pleasure that I come once again to Bulgaria, your beautiful and hospitable country. This time I am here as a guest of the blessed brother Patriarch Daniel," he said.

As he noted, the two Primates had the opportunity to strengthen the...