On Saint George's Day, the newly elected hegumen of the Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos, Father Gavriil, was elevated from hieromonk to archimandrite. The announcement was made by Secretary General of the Holy Synod Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, who led the services in honour of the monastery’s patron saint, St Great Martyr George. Archimandrite Gavriil will be enthroned as the new hegumen on May 11.

On behalf of the Bulgarian delegation in Athos, Deputy Premier Atanas Zafirov presented the newly elected hegumen Gavriil with an archimandrite’s cross. Prior to the ceremony, there was a litany procession with the wonder-working icon of St. George the Great Martyr and a vigil in the monastery’s church. The St. Naum of Ohrid Choir-Sofia performed hymns.

During the visit, the Bulgarian delegation met with the spiritual leadership of Mount Athos and showed great interest in the rich library of the Zograf Monastery.

• Deputy Premier Atanas Zafirov to lead a pilgrimage delegation to Mount Athos