The memory of St. Marina, the Great Martyr, was honored with a Patriarchal Divine Liturgy on July 17 at the Church dedicated to her within the grounds of the Holy Metropolis of Sofia.
Despite the bustling heat of July, the faithful gathered early in the morning at the quaint church in the city center, adorned with fresh flowers, to show their reverence and devotion to the Christian martyr. They paid homage to her relic, which was exhibited in a shrine outside the church, anointed themselves with blessed oil, lit candles, and joined the Divine Liturgy inside the church.
Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria arrived at the Metropolitan Courtyard, where the devoted community eagerly awaited his presence and received his initial Patriarchal blessings.
The hymns of the Divine Liturgy were melodiously sung in Eastern Psalmody by Associate Professor Dr. Lyubomir Ignatov, Ivan Tuparov, and Dr. Kalin Kirilov.
Metropolitan Kipriyan of Stara Zagora also took part in the Divine Liturgy with deep prayerfulness.
Following the liturgy, Patriarch Daniel delivered a heartfelt pastoral message to the numerous attendees, reflecting on the remarkable life of Saint Marina, highlighting her fervent prayers to God, spiritual purity, and complete devotion to Him by forsaking worldly desires.
His Holiness encouraged the congregation to emulate St. Marina’s example by resisting sin, purifying their bodies and souls from passions, and seeking the grace of God through prayer and endurance during trials and tribulations.
The article was written by Vesela Ignatova and includes photos, while the video was produced by Lyubomir Varbanov.