Bishop Pavel of Leviski Enters Eternal Rest

OCP News Service – 23/01/2024

Sofia – Bulgaria: Bishop Pavel of Leviski enters eternal rest on  on January 19, 2024 at the age of 66.

Bishop Pavel, born Pavlin Ivanov Petrov on July 12, 1957, in Levski, embarked on a journey of spiritual dedication from an early age. After completing his secondary education in Teteven, he pursued theological studies at the Sofia Theological Seminary “St. John of Rila,” followed by the Theological Academy “St. Kliment Ohridski” in Sofia, where he graduated in 1989.

His monastic journey began on February 22, 1986, at the Assumption Monastery of Cherepish, where he was ordained as a monk with the name Pavel. Metropolitan Kalinik of Vratsa subsequently ordained him as hierodeacon on March 11, 1986, and later as hieromonk on May 21, 1986.

Bishop Pavel’s early ecclesiastical responsibilities included serving as an ephemeral in the temple “St. Kliment Ohridski” and proto-single of the Vratsa Metropolis. His dedication was recognized by the Holy Synod, and on March 11, 1989, he was elevated to the rank of archimandrite.

Furthering his theological expertise, Bishop Pavel pursued specialization at the Moscow Theological Academy from September 1989 to 1991. Upon his return, he contributed to the Sofia Theological Seminary as an ephemeral and teacher from September 1991 to December 1992.

The episcopal ordination took place on December 20, 1992, in the church “St. Paraskeva” in Pleven, with the title of “Tiveriopolis” conferred by Metropolitan Pimen of Nevrokop. The All-Orthodox Council in Sofia on September 30 to October 1, 1998, recognized him with the title of “Levkii,” cementing his place in canonical communion.

Bishop Pavel’s diverse roles included serving as the vicar of Metropolitan Kirill of Varna and Veliko Preslav from December 1998 to March 1, 2000, and later as the chairman of the church board at “St. Alexander Nevsky” until July 1, 2002. Since then, he has held the position of “bishop at disposal” of the Holy Synod, continuing his devoted service to the Orthodox Church.

Source: 
OCP News Service