On July 11, a significant meeting occurred at the Holy Synod building of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church – the Bulgarian Patriarchate. The newly elected Bulgarian Patriarch and Sofia Metropolitan, Daniel, had a meeting with Tsar Simeon II. Also present at the meeting were several notable church leaders, including the Metropolitan of Veliko Tarnovo Grigori, the Metropolitan of Nevrokop Seraphim, the Metropolitan of Ruse Naum, and the Metropolitan of Stara Zagora Cyprian, among others.
Tsar Simeon II congratulated Patriarch Daniel on his election, mentioning that he was the fifth Primate of the Bulgarian Church he had met. In response, Patriarch Daniel expressed his gratitude to Tsar Simeon, recognizing his crucial role in resolving the schism within the Bulgarian Orthodox Church twenty years ago, which led to unity among the people.
During the meeting, Tsar Simeon recalled his pilgrimage trips and numerous visits to the Zograf Monastery. He addressed Patriarch Daniel, stating, “There will be a lot of work and responsibility in the hands of Your Holiness… I feel that there is a lot of enthusiasm and high expectations.” The Patriarch replied, “May God help us to justify them,” and added, “May the Lord grant you good health so that you can continue your mission – to be an example.”
At the end of the meeting, Tsar Simeon presented Patriarch Daniel with a photo album titled “In the Service of Bulgaria (1887-2017),” while the Patriarch gifted Tsar Simeon a set of seven silver coins featuring Bulgarian monasteries and miraculous icons of the Theotokos.
Text and photos: Plamen Mihaylov
