Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria prayed for an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine

Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria offered a prayer for an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine and for the reconciliation of the «two brotherly peoples». The prayer was offered during the Divine Liturgy and thanksgiving service timed to coincide with the 148th anniversary of the liberation of Sofia.

According to BTA, the service took place on Saturday at the Cathedral of St. Weeks, where Patriarch Daniel led the Divine Liturgy followed by a thanksgiving prayer service.

In his address, the Patriarch noted that the Bulgarian people preserved their Orthodox faith and spiritual identity throughout five centuries of Ottoman rule, and many sacrificed their lives to defend their faith, families and dignity.

He also expressed deep gratitude to the Russian army for the liberation of Bulgaria, recalling «the self-sacrifice of Russian, Bulgarian, Romanian and other soldiers who took part in the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation.» The Patriarch emphasized that «the Bulgarian people actively supported the liberation forces, including during the crossing of the Balkan Mountains in harsh winter conditions.»

In addition, Patriarch Daniel offered a prayer for an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine and for the reconciliation of «two brotherly peoples», calling on both sides of the conflict for a peaceful resolution.

Recall, earlier we reported that the Primate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC) Patriarch Daniel spoke out on a number of topical issues concerning the unity of Orthodox and Catholics and relations with the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Patriarch Daniel paid special attention to the issue of recognizing the Ukrainian schism. The head of the BOC is convinced that the recognition of the OCU by the Patriarchate of Constantinople is not a reason to break relations with the Phanar.