The Resurrection of Christ disperses darkness, Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte said at midnight at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia. He served the holy paschal service followed by the Holy Liturgy for the Resurrection of Christ.

A flame from the Holy Fire was brought to the church after it had arrived from Jerusalem. Thousands joined the service. At midnight, the resurrection was announced with the festive chime of church bells. Priests dressed in bright garments went out of the cathedral.

Patriarch Neophyte greeted the worshippers with Hristos voskrese (Christ is risen) and blessed them. In his paschal message he said:

“Let the light of the Resurrection of Christ generously light up our hearts and souls! Let it reach even where darkness and despair, fear and mistrust, hatred and hopelessness still reign. Let the grace and peace of our risen Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of us! Christ is risen!”

A service for the Second Resurrection is held today in all orthodox churches of the country. Patriarch Neophyte is leading the service at St. Nedelya metropolitan cathedral in Sofia. At the service texts from the gospels are read in different languages.

To mark Easter Bulgarian President Rumen Radev greeted the nation via Facebook.

“Christ is risen! Let there be light in our souls, coziness in our homes and more humility in our hearts”, the head of state wrote on the social network.

The leader of Gerb Party Boyko Borissov was also on Facebook to send Easter greetings: 

“Let God's grace bring more love to our homes and strengthen peace and understanding in our common life”, Borisov wrote, adding:

“Let prosperity accompany you and your loved ones, and our country be protected from conflicts and tribulations that we see happening not far from us. Be healthy and happy”, the leader of Gerb wrote.