Archimandrite Kliment (Strakhilov) Consecrated as the Bishop of Levski and Vicar Bishop for the Bulgarian Orthodox Diocese of the USA, Canada, and Australia

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OCP News Service – 16/12/2024

Sofia – Bulgaria: The Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrated the ordination of Archimandrite Kliment (Strakhilov) as Bishop of Levski on December 15, 2024. The ceremony took place at the historic Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky.

His Holiness Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria presided over the ordination, emphasizing the significant responsibilities of a bishop. He urged the newly ordained bishop to emulate the example of Saint Clement of Ohrid and the holy Apostles.

The ordination was attended by numerous hierarchs, clergy, and faithful. The newly ordained Bishop Kliment expressed gratitude to the Patriarch and the Holy Synod for the trust placed in him. He vowed to serve the Church faithfully and to fulfill the duties of his episcopal office.

A Unique Background

Bishop Kliment, born in Sofia in 1974, has a unique background. Before embracing monastic life, he was a successful academic, holding degrees from prestigious institutions in Germany, the UK, and Italy. He worked as an economist at the European Commission in Brussels.

In 2009, he made a radical life change, becoming a monk at the Zografou Monastery on Mount Athos. He quickly rose through the ranks, being ordained a deacon and then a hieromonk. His academic background has been invaluable to the Church, as he has translated numerous Orthodox texts and published liturgical books.

A New Chapter

The ordination of Bishop Kliment marks a new chapter in his life. As Bishop of Levski, he will serve the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in the United States, Canada, and Australia. His academic expertise and spiritual dedication are expected to make him a valuable asset to the Church.

The Diocese of Levski, historically centered in the region of Thrace, has a rich history dating back to the 10th century. The title of Bishop of Levski has been used by the Bulgarian Exarchate since 1873.

Source:

OCP News Service

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