Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain in Sofia

On Saturday, 23rd November 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain represented His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Divine Liturgy held in the Patriarchal Cathedral of Saint Alexander Nevsky, Sofia, Bulgaria for the 10th Anniversary of the consecration of the Cathedral.

The day began with the formal reception of hierarchs in the vestry of the historic cathedral, where they vested for the liturgical celebration. Archbishop Nikitas, alongside other Orthodox leaders, gathered to celebrate the Divine Liturgy in a spirit of prayer and fraternity.

At 9:00am, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria was received with the prayers of entrance. The Divine Liturgy began shortly after, at 9:30 AM, in the resplendent surroundings of the Cathedral. This solemn occasion brought together hierarchs, clergy, and faithful from across the Orthodox world, celebrating the richness of Orthodox liturgical tradition and the bonds that unite the Local Orthodox Churches to one another in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

Following the Liturgy, a festive luncheon was hosted in a nearby hotel, where Archbishop Nikitas joined Patriarch Daniel, fellow hierarchs, and distinguished guests in an atmosphere of fellowship and shared celebration.

Archbishop Nikitas, in the letter of thanks to Patriarch Daniel reflected on the joy of his visit and the profound connection he felt with the Church and people of Bulgaria. He noted his hope that this bond would continue to grow, fostering greater collaboration in the mission and witness of the Church worldwide.

The Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain and His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas pray for the continued strengthening of the bonds of love and unity across the Orthodox Church worldwide.

Photographs: Bulgarian Patriarchate, BTA