On the second day of national mourning, believers formed queues to pay their last respects to the mortal remains of His Holiness Patriarch of Bulgaria and Metropolitan of Sofia Neophyte, who passed on 13 March. Many remembered the role Neophyte played in overcome the schism within the Bulgarian Orthodox Church after the start of the democratic changes in the country.

• His Holiness the Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte has passed away
• Bulgaria grieves for its spiritual shepherd

Metropolitan Anthony of Central and Western Europe said, for public service TV BNT, that he had seen the deep sorrow in the eyes of the people as they bid farewell to someone they loved, to “an icon of faith”. He said further that it is important to follow the worthy example of Patriarch Neophyte “because in these times when people are divided, times of crisis, of war, we must bear witness to the unity of the church and unite the flock. Because in Jesus Christ’s words: By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love among one another.”

2024 marks 1160 years since the conversion of Bulgarians to Christianity and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has a major role in the context of this anniversary, Metropolitan Anthony said. Even though the Bulgarian people are, by a tradition, Orthodox, the coming generation needs to grasp the meaning and importance of faith, he said.