The enthronement of the newly elected Bulgarian Patriarch, Metropolitan Daniil of Vidin, is over. The new spiritual leader was welcomed in St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The gathered laity chanted "Worthy" and applauded him. ''Conscious of my own unworthiness, I believe in God's providence and God's support. Let us keep the Orthodox faith'', Patriarch Daniil said.
''You, Lord, my Master, guide me in the tasks for which You have appointed me, give me wisdom and direct me in this great and responsible ministry. Strengthen me with a mighty spirit against the seductions of my thoughts, so that, being guided every day by Your good Spirit towards beneficial deeds, I may worthily fulfill Your commandments", Patriarch Daniil said in his prayer to God. "I accept the cross of the patriarchal ministry that is entrusted to me today. The Lord knows that I have not sought this position, and He will be my helper. In today's confused times, we all need a vivid and clear testimony of God's presence'', Patriarch Daniil said in his first official speech.
The new spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria received the insignia (symbols of patriarchal dignity) and the green patriarchal mantle. The patriarchal scepter, given to him by Metropolitan Joseph, is the same one given to Bulgarian Patriarch Cyril in 1953, when the Bulgarian Patriarchate was restored.
National Assembly Speaker Raya Nazaryan, President Rumen Radev, Vice President Iliana Iotova, caretaker Premier Dimitar Glavchev, Chief of Defense Emil Eftimov, Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev, Grand Mufti Mustafa Hadji, former Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova, as well as other politicians and acting ministers attended the enthronement ceremony.
President Rumen Radev wished the newly elected patriarch to uphold the unity and autocephaly (independence) of the Bulgarian church and to strive for the welfare of the Bulgarian people. He emphasized that his election comes during challenging and turbulent times for all humanity.
Patriarch Daniil was elected with 69 votes. Metropolitan Gregory of Vratsa received 66 votes. There were three invalid votes. The Patriarchal Electoral Church Council comprised 140 delegates including hierarchs, clergy, laity and others. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and representatives of the local Orthodox Churches of Russia, Georgia, Romania and Serbia attended the ceremony for electing the new head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and Metropolitan of Sofia.
''The Bulgarian Orthodox Church, which is traditionally considered close to Moscow, elected a new patriarch today. 52-year-old Daniil took a position in favor of the Kremlin following the Russian invasion of Ukraine", reported AFP.
A man and a child have died after they were struck by lightning in the area of Mount Zhultets near Mount Botev in the Central Balkan Mountains. The alert was sent to the mountain rescue service at around 13.30 by a child who was with them, reports BNR..
The fire on the territory of the villages of Voden, Krainovo and Strandzha in the municipality of Bolyarovo has been controlled and localised. Interior Ministry teams will be on the ground to ensure that the fire does not flare up again, Interior Minister..
The standard of living in Sofia and some larger cities in Bulgaria is high. However, more attention should be paid to the regions of the country that are significantly lagging behind in terms of income, economist Georgi Vuldzhev has..
The best Bulgarian students in mathematics have won 5 medals by participating in the most prestigious mathematics competition in the world for 2024. At..
There are no active wildfires on the territory of Bulgaria, said caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev at the start of the government meeting...
Bulgarians drive more than their Balkan neighbours, averaging more than 21 000 km per year, according to a survey by CarVertical , reported by BGNES...
Partly cloudy, chance of rain
sunshine, cloud, rain and thunder
Thunderstorms 
Mostly Cloudy