Bulgarian patriarch explains what a “blessed war” means
Patriarch Daniel. Photo: Press Service of the Bulgarian Church
On May 6, 2026, the feast day of the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious, Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel urged the faithful not to fear the struggle against evil, explaining that for a Christian this struggle is waged not against people, but against sin, BNT News reports.
According to the primate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, the feast unites Bulgarians not only around military traditions and the army, but above all around faith and resistance to evil. The Patriarch recalled that St. George is one of the most venerated saints in Bulgaria, and that about 200,000 people celebrate their name day on this date. Patriarch Daniel said the main message of St. George is courage in the fight against evil – a struggle that must begin with a person’s work on himself in order to attain inner peace.
Patriarch Daniel explained the meaning of what he called a “blessed war”: in his words, it is the daily spiritual battle against human passions – hatred, envy, greed, and lust for power. Sin and estrangement from God, the Patriarch is convinced, are the true causes of today’s wars and suffering. True peace is not the result of force, but a divine gift acquired through repentance and love.
Patriarch Daniel also spoke in particular about the role of the Church as a moral institution. “The Church is called to bear witness to the truth. When politics hides behind falsehood, the Church must expose it, so that people are not drawn into evil while thinking they are doing good,” the primate emphasized.
As the UOJ reported, Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel prayed for the Christians of Syria and Lebanon.
Read also
Radicals decide to contribute to case against Kyiv Metropolis
A radical called on concerned citizens to show their position in the court case against the Kyiv Metropolis.
Shevchuk tells ex-Naftogaz chief how UGCC prepared for shelling
The Uniate leader discussed preparations for a difficult winter with the former Naftogaz chief and proposed cooperation on energy supply.
Bulgarian theologian calls silence over murder in Sviatohirsk grave sin
Theologian Georgi Todorov condemned the silence of the media about the attack on the Sviatohirsk Lavra.
Pilgrims of Volyn Eparchy meet with Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos
Believers of the Volyn Eparchy presented the Primate of the Jerusalem Church with a facsimile edition of the Lutsk Gospel.
NSDC center condemns ROC Patriarch's visit to wounded metropolitan
The Center for Countering Disinformation under the NSDC stated that the ROC has nothing to do with faith or spirituality.
New National Guard unit created in Uman to protect Hasidic pilgrims
A new National Guard unit has been established in Uman, with its members learning Hebrew to ensure the safety of Hasidic pilgrims.