Patriarch of Bulgaria: True joy comes from following Christ

Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria called on Christians to remain faithful to Christ and stressed that true joy comes from responding to God’s call.

The Patriarch of Bulgaria made the remarks during celebrations for the Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope and Love and their mother Sophia, which coincide with Sofia Day. On September 17, he presided over the Divine Liturgy at the historic Church of Saint Sophia – the Wisdom of God in the Bulgarian capital. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church’s calendar confirms the commemoration of the martyrs on September 17.

Referring to Faith, Hope and Love, Patriarch Daniel said that despite their young age, they remained faithful to God even in the face of persecution.

“Their wisdom, discernment and courage were revealed to such an extent that even cruel tortures could not separate them from the love of Christ,” he said.

The Patriarch also connected their example with the Christian history of Sofia, calling on its residents to make their city a place where honesty and righteousness prevail.

“For us Christians, a feast is above all a feast of the soul,” he said, adding that “nothing else can bring a person true joy” without responding to God’s call and…