Patriarchal Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Procession of the Holy Cross in Sofia

The 1st of August marks the beginning of the fifteen-day fast of the Dormition of the Theotokos. According to the established tradition, on this day begins the pilgrimage to the Rila Monastery, organised for fifteen consecutive years by the Faculty of Theology of St. Kliment Ohridski University in Sofia and the Sofia Metropolitan Municipality.

In honor of the festive events that lead the Christian soul to spiritual purification, a Patriarchal Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the ancient church of “Holy Wisdom – Wisdom of God”, presided over by His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria, who was joined by Bishop Pachomios of Branitsa and many other priests. The hymns were beautifully chanted by the choir under the direction of Dr. Andrei Kasavov.

The Divine Liturgy was attended by pilgrims from all over the country who will start their pilgrimage from Sofia to the Rila Monastery.

The long service ended with a pastoral sermon by Patriarch Daniel on the precious and life-giving Cross of the Lord, the pilgrimage, and the spiritual renewal of the faithful.

According to the tradition, the Divine Liturgy was followed by a blessing for the health and well-being of the participants, for the spiritual support of the faithful during the upcoming fasting period, and for the blessing of the pilgrims who will cross the mountains of Vitosha, Verila, and Rila on foot during the next five days.

Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria