Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Metropolitan Anthony: Patriarch Neophyte was an icon of faith

Metropolitan Anthony
Photo: BGNES

On the second day of national mourning, believers formed queues to pay their last respects to the mortal remains of His Holiness Patriarch of Bulgaria and Metropolitan of Sofia Neophyte, who passed on 13 March. Many remembered the role Neophyte played in overcome the schism within the Bulgarian Orthodox Church after the start of the democratic changes in the country.

Metropolitan Anthony of Central and Western Europe said, for public service TV BNT, that he had seen the deep sorrow in the eyes of the people as they bid farewell to someone they loved, to “an icon of faith”. He said further that it is important to follow the worthy example of Patriarch Neophyte “because in these times when people are divided, times of crisis, of war, we must bear witness to the unity of the church and unite the flock. Because in Jesus Christ’s words: By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love among one another.”

2024 marks 1160 years since the conversion of Bulgarians to Christianity and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has a major role in the context of this anniversary, Metropolitan Anthony said. Even though the Bulgarian people are, by a tradition, Orthodox, the coming generation needs to grasp the meaning and importance of faith, he said.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Iassen Tomov

Bulgaria seeks alternatives to evacuate citizens from Lebanon

Another evacuation flight from Lebanon to Bulgaria would be risky and almost impossible to organise , said Bulgaria's ambassador in Beirut, Iassen Tomov. Alternative options are being considered to bring the Bulgarian citizens home.  On Tuesday, 169..

published on 10/3/24 1:55 PM

Most Bulgarians are Euro-optimists, Eurobarometer survey shows

Most Bulgarians (60%) are optimistic about the future of the EU. The EU-wide figure is 65%, according to a Eurobarometer  post-election survey published by the European Parliament.  Positive attitudes towards the Community are also high - more..

published on 10/3/24 1:34 PM

British retiree Simon Hill: My wife and I love our lives in Bulgaria

Daily Mail Online published a letter from former teacher Simon Hill under the title “I’m living the Bulgarian retirement dream”. The retiree and his wife own two properties in Bulgaria. They get better healthcare, enjoy hot summers and ski in the..

published on 10/3/24 12:19 PM