“Just like being in Bulgaria!” – Easter service in Bulgarian in Dublin

At a festive Easter service in Dublin, Ireland, held in Bulgarian, Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe delivered the Patriarchal and Synodal message for the Resurrection of Christ to the local Bulgarian community, who had filled the university chapel “All Saints.”

Among the compatriots who had come especially for the service was Petar Donev, originally from Plovdiv, who has been living in Ireland for 25 years. For him, as well as for all the Bulgarians gathered in the church, the festive liturgy - led by Metropolitan Anthony and conducted in Bulgarian—was a dream come true.

“Well, it’s like feeling as if you are in Bulgaria,” he shared with the team of Radio Bulgaria and “Bridge of Faith.” “These are holidays during which every Christian, regardless of whether they are Bulgarian or not, finds peace when there is a liturgy like this. A person comes face to face with themselves, reflecting on why we are created, what we should be, and what we do. One is alone with oneself, and anyone who prays - this is my opinion - whether Christian, Muslim, or of any faith, takes stock of their life: the past, the present, and the future - what they will do, what they plan to do, and what they are capable of doing. So on this holiday, no matter where you are - in Ireland or Bulgaria - you feel closer to God, closer to yourself, and you find peace in your soul and in your family.”

Thus, faith becomes a unifying link between the individual and the community. “You see people gathering in the church, regardless of what they do for a living or their age… This is the community of Christians, united in humility before God. We Christians are more humble. And people in the church come together. This is a way of communication from the past - in villages, towns, and neighborhoods - people gathering in one place, connecting. In general, this is a way to preserve traditions, for people to meet and share,” Petar Donev added.

In front of the gathered crowd, the male chamber ensemble “Svetoglas,” specially invited for the celebration by Metropolitan Anthony, set the tone and the entire church sang the emblematic Bulgarian song “Hubava si, moya goro.”

After the service, Metropolitan Anthony planted a tree in the yard of the Bulgarian embassy in Dublin.

Read also:

Liturgy in Bulgarian brings together Bulgarians in Ireland after long pause

Ambassador Vanya Andreeva: Bulgarians in Ireland are valued and respected

Authors: Darina Grigorova, Alexandra Karamihaleva
Editor: Miglena Ivanova