Patriarch of Bulgaria: Orthodoxy grows not by force but by God's grace

Patriarch Daniel. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr

On April 25, 2025, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria stated that "Orthodoxy is rapidly growing all over the world not by force, but by God's grace."

During the Divine Liturgy at the church of the Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Life-Giving Spring" in the Poduyne district of Sofia, he emphasized the deep meaning of the feast, reminding the faithful that "Christ is truly Risen and grants us eternal life, which revives the heart and body of everyone who accepts His word."

Patriarch Daniel noted the rapid spread of the Orthodox faith in countries with Catholic and Protestant traditions.

"In the USA, Canada, and Mexico, where other confessions have dominated for centuries, the growth of our Church occurs not through coercion, but because people's hearts are turning to God, and in Orthodoxy, they find living grace," he said.

The head of the Bulgarian Church also called on the faithful to repentance and strengthening in faith: "We have been given time to know the Lord, to accept Him, to be filled with grace, and to prepare our hearts for life in the Kingdom of Christ."

Earlier, the Union of Orthodox Journalists reported that according to Patriarch Daniel, those who seize churches in Ukraine cannot be called Orthodox Christians.

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