On the feast day of the holy martyrs Vyara, Nadezhda, and Lyubov (known as Pisti, Elpida, and Agapi in Greek) and their mother Sofia, the city of Kostinbrod celebrated its 50th anniversary since its declaration as a city. To mark this special occasion, Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel, accompanied by Bishop Pachomius of Branitsa and Archimandrite John, protocyncellus of the Holy Metropolis of Sofia, visited the city to perform the sanctification of the waters service, signaling the beginning of the celebratory events.
Before the ceremony, Patriarch Daniel paid a visit to the temple “St. Cyril and Methodius” in Kostinbrod, where he was warmly welcomed by the clergy. The service was then conducted at the “Berkovitsa” stadium, attended by the mayor of Kostinbrod, Trajko Mladenov, municipal officials, and a large gathering of people.
During his homily, Patriarch Daniel drew a parallel between the development of a city and the ennobling of the human heart, stating, “Only if a person spends his whole life working to acquire good treasures (according to Matt. 12:35), which are the virtues—respect for the person next to us and responsibility for ourselves—can one build oneself to reach Christ’s perfection, the fullness of virtues.” He emphasized that this is the true wealth for individuals, cities, societies, and the state.
The Patriarch also spoke about the current spiritual crisis affecting society, highlighting the example of the celebrated holy martyrs as models of Christ-like humility and meekness, combined with a steadfast defense of the truth.
Concluding his address, Patriarch Daniel expressed his hope for mutual respect, love, care, honesty, responsibility, and sacrifice, saying, “If we embrace these values towards each other, our cities will flourish.”
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria, Text: Mikhail Taskov / Photos: Vesela Ignatova