The Ecumenical Patriarch in Sofia – The reception by the Patriarch of Bulgaria and the messages of unity from the two Primatestranslated

The Ecumenical Patriarch, Mr. Bartholomew, in order to participate in the liturgical and festive events for the completion of 1,150 years since the birth and 1,080 years since the sleep of Saint John of Rila the Wonderworker, patron of the Bulgarian people. The events culminate on Monday, October 19 at the historic and celebratory Holy Monastery of Rila, one of the most important pilgrimages in Bulgaria.

The visit of His Holiness takes place following the invitation of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and includes meetings with the church leadership of the country, as well as cultural events focusing on the spiritual tradition of Mount Athos and the timeless ties of the Orthodox peoples.

The official reception at the Synodal Palace

The first stop of the visit was the Synod Palace in Sofia, where the Ecumenical Patriarch was received with honors by His Beatitude the Patriarch of Bulgaria, Mr. Daniel and Hierarchs of the Holy Synod.

After the arrival of His Holiness and his entourage at the "Vasil Levski" airport of the Bulgarian capital, it was held on...