Metropolitan Nicholas of Plovdiv warmly received Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov of Panagyurishte, along with deputy mayors and members of the Municipal Council on February 13. The official meeting took place at the newly established Metropolitan Residence in Plovdiv.
During the meeting, Metropolitan Nicholas emphasized the importance of collaboration for the well-being of the community and strengthening its spiritual foundation. He provided an overview of the Plovdiv Metropolis’s leadership, ancient history, liturgical life, educational and social activities, and ongoing church construction projects.
A significant topic of discussion was the need for religious education in schools to impart Christian values to the younger generation. Metropolitan Nicholas stressed the importance of teaching the eternal teachings of the Church to shape the moral and spiritual character of youth.
Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov expressed gratitude for the hospitality and spiritual insights shared by Metropolitan Nicholas. He highlighted the municipality’s efforts to instill responsibility and work ethic in young people through agricultural training programs.
Furthermore, Mayor Gagov expressed the desire for closer collaboration between local authorities and the Church to establish an Orthodox Spiritual Center in Panagyurishte. The center aims to provide spiritual guidance, education, and community support.
As a gesture of appreciation, Mayor Gagov presented Metropolitan Nicholas with a painting created by children with special needs. Additionally, Ms. Galina Matanova, on behalf of the Municipal Council, gifted the Metropolitan an iconostasis of the Holy Theotokos, the heavenly protector of Panagyurishte.
In return, Metropolitan Nicholas presented icons of the Holy Theotokos and copies of the Holy Bible to all attendees as a token of blessing and remembrance.
Source and photos: Patriarchate of Bulgaria
