Patriarch Neophyte is feeling better, says the Holy Synod

The health of Patriarch Neophyte is improving, Emil Velinov, head of the protocol of the Holy Synod, told BTA. He added that the entire higher clergy of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church hoped to celebrate Christmas with their spiritual leader.

The 78-year-old religious leader has not been seen in public for a month. He has been hospitalised at the Military Medical Academy with a lung condition. The head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church was also rushed to hospital with pneumonia in September last year.

Meanwhile, bishops and faithful from all over the country gathered at the Plovdiv Seminary for a scientific conference. They all held a public prayer for the Patriarch's health, BGNES reported.