President of Bulgaria at meeting with Church Synod: Our faith unites us

President of Bulgaria, head and members of the Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Photo: bg-patriarshia

On February 12, 2026, at the invitation of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Bulgarian President Iliyana Yotova met with Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel and the hierarchs of the Synod. During the reception, the Patriarch noted the high level of trust in the presidential institution in society and wished the head of state to continue serving the cause of national unity. This is reported by the official website of the BOC.

Iliyana Yotova emphasized the historical role of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, as well as its significance in the current difficult period.

"Our faith unites us and nurtures the values necessary in today's dangerous world," the president stated, adding that despite differences, all are called to serve the good of the people and strengthen Bulgaria's international authority.

The President asked the Synod for a blessing to hold the third International Forum dedicated to the Cyrillic alphabet in March. One of the key focuses of the upcoming conference will be related to the life and feat of Saint John of Rila – in connection with the 1150th anniversary of his birth and the 1080th anniversary of his repose.

The meeting was attended by metropolitans of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, as well as representatives of the Synod's Сhancellery. Patriarch Daniel presented the President with an icon of Saint John of Rila, and Iliyana Yotova presented the Primate with an altar cross, wishing the archpastors to continue leading Orthodox Christians on the path of salvation.

As the UOJ wrote, the Patriarch of Bulgaria said that the issue of the OCU was discussed in Istanbul.

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