The enthronement of the newly elected Bulgarian Patriarch, Metropolitan Daniil of Vidin, is over. The new spiritual leader was welcomed in St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The gathered laity chanted "Worthy" and applauded him. ''Conscious of my own unworthiness, I believe in God's providence and God's support. Let us keep the Orthodox faith'', Patriarch Daniil said.
''You, Lord, my Master, guide me in the tasks for which You have appointed me, give me wisdom and direct me in this great and responsible ministry. Strengthen me with a mighty spirit against the seductions of my thoughts, so that, being guided every day by Your good Spirit towards beneficial deeds, I may worthily fulfill Your commandments", Patriarch Daniil said in his prayer to God. "I accept the cross of the patriarchal ministry that is entrusted to me today. The Lord knows that I have not sought this position, and He will be my helper. In today's confused times, we all need a vivid and clear testimony of God's presence'', Patriarch Daniil said in his first official speech.
The new spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria received the insignia (symbols of patriarchal dignity) and the green patriarchal mantle. The patriarchal scepter, given to him by Metropolitan Joseph, is the same one given to Bulgarian Patriarch Cyril in 1953, when the Bulgarian Patriarchate was restored.
National Assembly Speaker Raya Nazaryan, President Rumen Radev, Vice President Iliana Iotova, caretaker Premier Dimitar Glavchev, Chief of Defense Emil Eftimov, Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev, Grand Mufti Mustafa Hadji, former Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova, as well as other politicians and acting ministers attended the enthronement ceremony.
President Rumen Radev wished the newly elected patriarch to uphold the unity and autocephaly (independence) of the Bulgarian church and to strive for the welfare of the Bulgarian people. He emphasized that his election comes during challenging and turbulent times for all humanity.
Patriarch Daniil was elected with 69 votes. Metropolitan Gregory of Vratsa received 66 votes. There were three invalid votes. The Patriarchal Electoral Church Council comprised 140 delegates including hierarchs, clergy, laity and others. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and representatives of the local Orthodox Churches of Russia, Georgia, Romania and Serbia attended the ceremony for electing the new head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and Metropolitan of Sofia.
''The Bulgarian Orthodox Church, which is traditionally considered close to Moscow, elected a new patriarch today. 52-year-old Daniil took a position in favor of the Kremlin following the Russian invasion of Ukraine", reported AFP.
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