Patriarch of Bulgaria to make first visit to Mount Athos on October 21–24

Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria will make his first official visit to Mount Athos from October 21 to 24, 2026, at the invitation of the brotherhood of the Holy Monastery of Zografou, dedicated to St. George the Great Martyr.

According to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, the Patriarch will visit several monasteries on Mount Athos and meet with the Holy Community, the governing body of the Athonite monastic community.

During his visit, Patriarch Daniel will preside over an all-night vigil commemorating the 26 Martyrs of Zografou Monastery, who, according to Orthodox tradition, were burned to death by Latins in 1274 for their adherence to the Orthodox faith.

The Bulgarian Patriarch will also meet with the monastic brotherhood of Zografou Monastery and venerate the sacred relics and other holy treasures preserved at the historic Bulgarian monastery.

The visit will mark Patriarch Daniel’s first pilgrimage to Mount Athos since his election as Primate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in 2024.