Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel welcomed Nathaniel Copsey, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Bulgaria, at the Synodal Palace today. The meeting was attended by Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod.
During their conversation, Patriarch Daniel shared his experiences from his recent trip to the United Kingdom, including the consecration of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church “St. John of Rila” in London and his interactions with the Bulgarian community in the British capital. Ambassador Copsey praised the beauty of the newly consecrated church and acknowledged its importance in providing spiritual support to the approximately 300,000 Orthodox Bulgarians residing in the UK.
The Ambassador also emphasized the significant role of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in maintaining the national identity over the years. In response, Patriarch Daniel highlighted the ongoing mission of the Church, stating:
“The Bulgarian Orthodox Church has been instrumental in shaping and preserving our national identity. Moreover, it plays a key role in contemporary society by serving as a spiritual anchor for our people, promoting eternal values, the essence of human life, and the promise of eternal life in God.”
Additionally, the conversation addressed various challenges confronting modern European society and explored potential collaborations to address global crises.
As a gesture of gratitude, the Patriarch presented Ambassador Copsey with a commemorative coin commemorating the 100th anniversary of the consecration of the Patriarchal Cathedral of “St. Alexander Nevsky,” along with a special album dedicated to the Rila Monastery.
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria