Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil Meets with President Radev to Discuss Church-State Cooperation

OCP News Service – 12/07/2024

Sofia – Bulgaria: On July 11,2024, His Holiness Patriarch Daniil of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, accompanied by members of the Holy Synod, met with President Rumen Radev and Vice President Iliana Yotova at the Presidential Palace. The meeting underscored the vital role of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in the nation’s spiritual and moral life, both historically and in contemporary society.

Patriarch Daniil was joined by Metropolitans Grigoriy of Veliko Tarn, Seraphim of Nevrokop, Naum of Ruse, Cyprian of Starozagorsk, and other esteemed clergy. President Radev began the meeting by acknowledging the church’s enduring significance to the Bulgarian people, describing it as “an awakener and savior in the most difficult times.” He praised the church’s historical contribution to national liberation and its current role as a moral and spiritual pillar.

“In times of challenges for our country and humanity, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has shown the strength of unity around traditions and primal values,” President Radev said. He congratulated Patriarch Daniil on his recent election and wished him health and strength in his mission to promote faith, unity, and independence within the church.

The discussions highlighted the need for joint efforts between state institutions and the church to address the spiritual crisis and foster unity among Bulgarians. President Radev emphasized the church’s significant role in preserving national traditions, language, culture, and identity.

One key topic was the potential introduction of “Religion” as a mandatory subject in Bulgarian schools. The President and Vice President cited positive examples from neighboring countries, emphasizing the importance of educating children in religious and moral values. They also stressed the importance of cooperation with the church in supporting Bulgarian communities abroad and preserving the Bulgarian language among diaspora children.

Patriarch Daniil reiterated the church’s historical and contemporary importance, highlighting its role in personal development, family values, and societal morale. “The Bulgarian Orthodox Church plays a huge role in personal development and building, in improving relations between people, and in upholding traditional Orthodox family values,” he said.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of symbolic gifts. Patriarch Daniil presented President Radev with a collection of “Monasteries of Bulgaria” silver medals, while President Radev gifted the Patriarch an icon of the “Good Shepherd.”

This meeting marks a significant step in strengthening the collaboration between the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and state institutions, aiming to foster a unified and morally grounded Bulgarian society.

Source:

OCP News Service