An icon unites in prayer Saint Seraphim of Sofia and Saint Ivan Rilski

On February 26, Bulgarians commemorate one of the most beloved saints of their modern history - Saint Seraphim of Sofia, the Wonderworker. For the countless Bulgarians who daily stream to his grave, he remains a spiritual shepherd who prayerfully intercedes before God on behalf of the suffering. Before departing this earthly life, he consoled his flock with the promise that he would continue to pray for all who sought his aid, urging them to write to him. Thus, even after his repose, he has not ceased helping those who approach him with faith and trust in God. The faithful tenderly call him Grandfather Vladika (meaning “bishop”), for they feel him near to their hearts.

The unceasing tide of pilgrims and the testimony to innumerable miracles wrought through his intercession moved the Russian and Bulgarian Orthodox Churches to glorify him among the saints in February 2016. Since then, each year, both Churches solemnly celebrate his memory.

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the saint’s canonization, a festive Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Russian Church “Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker” in Sofia, presided over by His Holiness Patriarch Daniil. At the conclusion of the service, His Holiness received as a gift a specially commissioned icon depicting the heavenly patron of the Bulgarian people, Saint Ivan Rilski (John of Rila), and Saint Seraphim of Sofia united in prayer before the Savior Jesus Christ.

The miracles of St. Nicholas the Wonder Worker Church in Sofia breathe new life into people’s faith

“The Lord is depicted above, and they turn toward Him in supplication,” explains the iconographer Ekaterina Titova, author of the sacred image.

“The two saints stand against the backdrop of a miniature rendering of the city of Sofia, the Cathedral of Saint Alexander Nevsky, the ancient church of Saint Sophia, the Russian Church of Saint Nicholas, and the monument to the Tsar Liberator. On the side of Saint John of Rila are shown the Rila Monastery and the cave in the mountain where the saint’s grave is found. On the side of Saint Seraphim stands the Church of the Nativity of Christ in the town of Shipka. When I painted the Shipka church, I sought detailed information about it, for it was essential that it be rendered recognizably. I felt as though I were truly there, with God’s help.”

The inspiration for the icon did not arise by chance, but from a genuine friendship in Christ - sealed in unity of mind and love for God - between Ekaterina Titova and the theologian Vasilianna Merheb.

“As the tenth anniversary of the canonization of Saint Seraphim of Sofia approached, and mindful of the wondrous spiritual bond between these two saints - immortalized by Saint Seraphim’s composition of the first Akathist hymn in praise of Saint John of Rila - we felt a desire, if it be God’s will, to present the icon to Patriarch Daniil in remembrance of this sacred date,” recounts Vasilianna Merheb. “All the more so since, beyond doubt, our Patriarch himself was granted to us through the intercession of these two saints. Moreover, Patriarch Daniil has never concealed his gratitude and reverent devotion toward Saint John of Rila, as evidenced by his visit to the Rila Monastery literally hours after his election as patriarch.”

For the iconographer, who approaches the depiction of saints with the fear of God, painting is always accompanied by intense spiritual searching, temptations, doubts, and inward struggle, notes Ekaterina Titova. Yet during her pilgrimage to the Rila Monastery on the feast of the beloved Bulgarian saint, she received answers to her spiritual questions that had arisen in the course of her work. With the blessing of her spiritual father, priest Vladimir Tishchuk, rector of the Russian Church, she undertook the solemn responsibility of completing the icon.

When the faithful of the multinational parish of the Russian Church in Sofia learned of the gift being prepared for His Holiness, they gathered funds with heartfelt devotion. “It was profoundly moving - down to tears,” says Yanina Alekseeva, who collected the donations. “There were offerings from windows, from poor people who gave from their modest means for the gift to Patriarch Daniil.”

Upon receiving the icon, Patriarch Daniil did not conceal his joy. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all for this extraordinary gift - an image that stands as a luminous symbol of the spiritual bridge uniting the two Orthodox peoples.

Photos: Darina Grigorova, Vasilianna Mehreb

English version: R. Petkova