Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria welcomed Mr. Dimitri Iotev, President of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation of the Orthodox Churches of the Bulgarian Exarchate in Constantinople and the Foundation of the Bulgarian Church of St. George in Edirne, at the Synodal Palace.
Also in attendance were Mr. Hristo Kopano, Vice President; Board members Mr. Ilcho Kyosev, Mr. Argir Liaze, and Mrs. Yoanka Shonef; as well as Mr. Vasil Valchev, Consul General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Constantinople, and Mrs. Radoslava Kafedzhiyska, Consul General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Edirne.
The meeting was joined by Metropolitans Grigory of Veliko Tarnovo, Gavriil of Lovchansky, Serafim of Nevrokop, Naum of Ruse, Kiprian of Stara Zagora, Grigory of Vratsa, and Yakov of Dorostol, along with Archdeacon Ivan Petkov.
During the meeting, Mr. Iotev highlighted the strong spiritual connection between the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and its members in Constantinople, expressing gratitude for the Church’s dedication to preserving liturgical traditions and maintaining the historic Iron Church of St. Stephen.
Patriarch Daniel conveyed his blessings and best wishes to all Bulgarians in Istanbul and Edirne, encouraging them to stay connected to the Church and actively engage in their Orthodox community’s spiritual activities.
The discussions also touched on various issues concerning the religious life of Bulgarian expatriates in Turkey and explored ways to promote Orthodox pilgrimage customs. There was a particular focus on encouraging more Bulgarians to visit the historic Bulgarian churches in Istanbul and Edirne, as well as facilitating opportunities for expatriates to make pilgrimages to sacred sites in Bulgaria.
Patriarch Daniel extended Easter greetings to Mr. Iotev and all Bulgarians in Turkey. The meeting concluded with the exchange of commemorative gifts.
