Bulgarian primate expresses condolences over death of Patriarch Ilia
Bulgarian Primate served a memorial service for the reposed Patriarch Ilia II. Photo: bg-patriarshia.bg
The head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church expressed condolences on behalf of the Holy Synod, the clergy, and all the faithful of Bulgaria, calling the late Patriarch “a pillar of unity for the Georgian people during some of the most pivotal and difficult moments in their modern history.”
In his message, Patriarch Daniel described Ilia II as “an angel of the Georgian Church,” a fervent man of prayer, a wise shepherd of his flock, and “a restorer and renewer of its ancient millennial tradition.” According to the Bulgarian primate, the Georgian Patriarch earned “the respect and love of all people in his earthly homeland, as well as the admiration and reverence of all of us – his brothers and sisters from the Local Orthodox Churches.”
The Bulgarian Patriarch placed special emphasis on Ilia II’s steadfast defense of canonical Orthodoxy. “We will never forget, but will always remember with emotion and gratitude, the brotherly support of Patriarch Ilia II for the canonical Bulgarian Orthodox Church, led by the ever-memorable Bulgarian Patriarch Maxim, during the sorrowful schism in Bulgaria,” the primate said. The head of the Bulgarian Church testified that the late Patriarch “never betrayed the truth, which he always proclaimed with sincere, Christ-like, and sacrificial love.”
Patriarch Daniel called the departed hierarch “a lamp giving light to all,” because “from the good treasure of his heart he brought forth only good.” He said Ilia II was “the gentle and loving father of Georgia, who bore the sufferings of a long illness without complaint,” and had passed from the valley of tears into eternal life. “Patriarch Ilia II was truly a man of God,” the Bulgarian primate said.
On March 18, Patriarch Daniel served a memorial service for the newly reposed head of the Georgian Church at the cathedral in Sofia.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Bulgarian Patriarch had prayed for reconciliation between Ukraine and Russia.
Read also
DESS head: Revival of Judaism in Ukraine is a true miracle
Viktor Yelensky opened a school for Jewish boys in Anativka.
Metropolitan Onuphry shares how Saint Nicholas leads people to faith
In his sermon on the Feast of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas, the Primate of the UOC gave an example of a Soviet family that turned to the saint in despair and found faith.
Priest of Pokrovsk Vicariate of UOC killed in Kostiantynivka shelling
Archpriest Valeriy Voskresensky consciously remained at his parish in the Donetsk region, despite the constant threat of shelling.
Verkhovna Rada to consider bill on pornography decriminalization
The bill on decriminalizing pornography proposes to remove criminal liability for the production and distribution of pornography between adults.
Metropolitan Onuphry leads Liturgy at Intercession Monastery of Kyiv
On the Feast of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, the Primate of the UOC celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Saint Nicholas's Cathedral of the Intercession Monastery and offered prayers for peace in the Ukrainian land.
Persecuted community of Verkhni Stanivtsi celebrates archpastoral Liturgy
For the second year in a row, the parishioners have been celebrating their patronal feast day outside the walls of their church, which was seized by OCU supporters with police backing in April 2025.