Patriarch of BOC meets with head of European Commission Representation

Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria and Chairwoman of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria, Yordanka Chobanova. Photo: bg-patriarshia.bg

Chairwoman of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria, Yordanka Chobanova, congratulated Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria on his election, wishing him a blessed ministry for the benefit of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and the Bulgarian people, emphasizing the readiness of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria to cooperate with the Church on various socially significant issues. According to the BOC website, the meeting took place in the Synodal Palace in Sofia.

"I wish you strength and may God guide you in your highly responsible work," said Yordanka Chobanova.

The Patriarch emphasized the important role of the Church in preserving individuals and protecting their souls from the harmful influence of sin. "The Church is an important partner in the work of the European Commission and cannot be neglected," said the Patriarch. His Holiness expressed a desire to implement various beneficial initiatives in the future, drawing on the experience of Bulgaria's neighboring countries, where there are longstanding relationships between religious institutions and the European Commission.

"People need spiritual leaders because there is a great division in our society," said the Chairwoman of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria.

During the meeting, the topic of the Committee of Representatives of Orthodox Churches in the EU, in which the Bulgarian Orthodox Church participates, was discussed.

At the end of the meeting, Patriarch Daniel wished Yordanka Chobanova fruitful work and presented her with an icon of Jesus Christ, wishing that He would protect and assist her in her work as the Chairwoman of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria.

As the UOJ previously reported, a Bulgarian journalist suggested that if Patriarch Daniel had not been elected, there would have been a schism.

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