Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria offered a prayer for an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine and for reconciliation between “the two brotherly nations” during a Divine Liturgy and thanksgiving prayer service marking the 148th anniversary of the Liberation of Sofia.
The service was held on Saturday at the Saint Nedelya Cathedral, as reported by Bulgarian News Agency, where Patriarch Daniel presided over the Divine Liturgy, followed by a thanksgiving prayer.
In his address, the Patriarch noted that the Bulgarian people preserved their Orthodox faith and spiritual identity throughout five centuries of Ottoman rule, with many sacrificing their lives to defend their faith, families, and dignity.
He also expressed gratitude to the Russian army for the Liberation of Bulgaria, recalling “the self-sacrifice of Russian, Bulgarian, Romanian, and other warriors who took part in the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation.” He emphasized that “the Bulgarian people actively supported the liberating forces, including during the crossing of the Balkan Mountains under severe winter conditions.”