His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph, head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in the USA, Canada, and Australia, has blessed the newly elected Parish Council of the Holy Trinity Bulgarian Orthodox Church in Madison, Illinois.

The new council was elected on 29 June, the first time in fifteen years that a regular church council has been formed, following the church assembly held on St. Peter’s Day. The Parish Council of Holy Trinity announced the blessing to its parishioners.

In a statement, the Parish Council expressed heartfelt thanks to the Kutrianski family for their long-standing service in supporting the church and preserving the Bulgarian spirit within the community of St. Louis.

The announcement also noted that Father Ivan, the longtime parish priest of Holy Trinity, has accepted a pastoral invitation from the Bulgarian Orthodox Church “St. Sophia” in Chicago and will continue his ministry there. Father Todor remains in service at Holy Trinity.

Last week, the 47th Annual Convention of the Bulgarian Diocese in the USA, Canada, and Australia took place in Boston. The event was attended by Metropolitan Joseph, Bishop Clement, along with priests, monks, and guests from Australia, Canada, the United States, and Europe, according to the Bulgarian General Consulate in New York.