The Feast of St. John of Rila once again brought together numerous Orthodox Christians at the Sofia Theological Seminary, which marked the 121st celebration of the Rila Hermit and Miracle Worker this year.
For the first time since his election and enthronement, Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria made an official visit to the seminary. He led a festive evening service on October 18 and presided over the Holy Mass in the seminary church on October 19.
Alongside the Patriarch, Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod, Bishop Pachomius of Branitsky, First Vicar of the Metropolitan of Sofia, and Bishop Meletius of Znepol, Rector of the Sofia Theological Seminary, participated in the service. Also in attendance were Archimandrite Joakim, spiritual supervisor of the Sofia Diocese, Archimandrite Nikodim, metropolitan priests, and Archdeacons Ivan Petkov and Deyan Korunoski.
The students of the Sofia Theological Seminary, under the guidance of Protopresbyter Konstantinos Fotopoulos, sang the hymns of the Divine Liturgy. The sermon for the feast was delivered by 12th-grade student Nino Ivanov, who shared insights into the extraordinary life of the Reverend Father John of Rila, along with his teachings and miracles.
Following the Holy Liturgy, Patriarch Daniil addressed the clergy, seminarians, and faithful present, underscoring the significance of the feast. He highlighted the miraculous Transfer of St. John of Rila’s Relics from the Rila Monastery to the town of Sredets, emphasizing the victory of life over death through Jesus Christ as demonstrated by this event.
The Patriarch encouraged the faithful to seek St. John of Rila’s intercession and protection, praising the Sofia Seminary for its enduring spiritual mission over more than 120 years. He commended Bishop Meletius of Znepol and the teaching staff for their dedication, noting the positive increase in seminarian enrollment.
Patriarch Daniil stressed the seminary’s role in guiding young individuals towards a purposeful life, contrasting it with the prevailing challenges faced by many youths today. He urged continued support for the seminarians and building parents’ trust in the institution.
The solemn Divine Liturgy concluded with Vespers, followed by a reception in the Sofia Seminary’s hall where the children welcomed His Holiness with chants.
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria
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