Bulgarian Orthodox Church Holds Memorial Service for Patriarch Neophyte on 20th Day of Demise

OCP News Service – 02/04/2024

Sofia – Bulgaria: The Bulgarian Orthodox Church commemorated the 20th anniversary of Patriarch Neophyte’s death with a special memorial service held at the “St. Alexander Nevsky” Cathedral in Sofia on April 01,2024.

The service was presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Grigoriy of Vratsa, Vice-President of the Holy Synod and acting head of the widowed Sofia diocese. Several other Bishops and clergy members participated, including Bishop Gerasim of Melniški, Bishop Polykarp of Belogradchish, Bishop Pachomius of Branitz, and Bishop Isaac of Velbazhd.

Clergymen, church officials, staff from the patriarchal house, and relatives of Patriarch Neophyte gathered to pray for the repose of his soul. The service included a sermon by Metropolitan Grigoriy, who reflected on the late Patriarch’s life and legacy.

Metropolitan Grigoriy highlighted the growing sense of loss with each passing year since Patriarch Neophyte’s death. He emphasized the importance of prayer for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life, values that guided the late Patriarch.

Following the service at “St. Alexander Nevsky” Cathedral, the clergy and faithful proceeded to the “St. Alexander Nevsky” Cathedral’s southern colonnade, where Patriarch Neophyte is buried. A trisagion, a short prayer service, was performed at the tomb by Metropolitan Grigoriy.

Source:

OCP News Service