A delegation led by Metropolitan Anthony and Professor Ivan Ivanov — a priest and theologian — represented the Bulgarian Patriarchate at the enthronement and inauguration of Pope Leo XIV on 18 and 19 May.

They delivered an official congratulatory address to the Pope from His Holiness Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria and the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church – Bulgarian Patriarchate (BOC–BP). They also presented him with a symbolic gift of silver coins featuring Bulgarian monasteries. This gesture was announced by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in Rome on its official Facebook page.

This valuable gift comprises commemorative silver coins depicting some of Bulgaria's most renowned monasteries, including Rila, Bachkovo, Troyan, Dryanovo, Glozhene, Preobrazhenie and Rozhen. Minted by the Bulgarian National Bank, the coins are presented in a luxurious wooden case.

Each coin bears a detailed relief of its respective monastery on the obverse and an artistic rendition of its miracle-working icon on the reverse. These designs were created by Plamen Chernev, a sculptor at the Bulgarian Mint.