President Iotova seeks Patriarch's blessing over International Cyrillic Forum

At the invitation of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova met with His Holiness Daniil – Patriarch of Bulgaria and Metropolitan of Sofia. The head of state highlighted the historic role of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in the national liberation struggles, the Liberation, and the birth of the Third Bulgarian State, as well as its role in today’s difficult times.

“Our faith unites us and instills in us the values we need in today’s dangerous world,” Iotova stated.

For his part, His Holiness Daniil wished Iliana Iotova continued success in fulfilling the primary mission of the head of state - the unification of the nation.

The president requested the blessing of the Holy Synod for the upcoming third International Cyrillic Forum, to be held in March. The previous two editions of the forum were organized with the support and participation of the Holy Synod. One of the highlights of this year’s conference will focus on the life and work of St. Ivan of Rila, marking two commemorative anniversaries – 1,150 years since his birth and 1,080 years since his passing.

His Holiness Daniil presented the head of state with an icon of St. Ivan of Rila on the occasion of the 1,080th anniversary of the saint’s passing. With wishes that he continue to guide Orthodox Christians on the path to salvation, President Iotova presented Patriarch Daniil with an altar cross, as well as two collections of scholarly papers from the international Cyrillic forums.

Edited by Miglena Ivanova
English: R. Petkova