Patriarch of All Bulgaria

The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church convened on Tuesday to address the vacancy left by the passing of Patriarch Neophyte, who served as the spiritual leader of Bulgaria and Metropolitan of Sofia. According to reports from the Bulgarian National Radio, the Synod's primary agenda was the election of a temporary head to oversee the Church's affairs during this transition period.

Bulgarian worshippers thronged Sofia's golden-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral on Friday to pay their last respects to Orthodox Christian Patriarch Neophyte, the first elected head of the church in the post-communist Balkan country, who died this week aged 78.

Today, just before 8 a.m., the mortal remains of Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte were laid out for veneration at Patriarchal Cathedral "St. Alexander Nevsky".

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church and the Council of Ministers have unveiled the schedule for the funeral proceedings of Patriarch Neophyte, who passed away on Wednesday evening after battling a lung ailment at the Military Medical Academy in Sofia. The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church announced that the public can pay their respects to the late patriarch on Friday at St.

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church faces a period of transition following the untimely death of Patriarch Neophyte. In an extraordinary meeting convened by the Holy Synod today, discussions centered on determining the temporary leadership of the church, as well as setting crucial dates for pilgrimage and burial arrangements for the late patriarch.

Patriarch Neophyte, the esteemed head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, has passed away at the age of 78 after battling a severe illness. The patriarch, known for his unwavering dedication to his faith, breathed his last following complications from lung disease while undergoing treatment at the VMA hospital.

Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte has been admitted to the Military Medical Academy due to a lung ailment, as confirmed by the office of the Holy Synod on the Bulgarian Orthodox Church's website.

On Friday, the Russian Church in Sofia will be reopened, Nova TV reported. The first service is expected to be on Saturday. The temple was closed after Bulgaria recalled three Russian priests for violating diplomatic rules.

Patriarch Neophyte has appointed priests from Sofia who will take over the usual services in the Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker, known as the Russian Church. This was announced by the Holy Synod.

Today Bulgarians celebrate the Day of Courage and the Bulgarian Army - May 6. For the third year in a row, there will be no military parade on May 6. A solemn water blessing of the battle flags and sacred flags was organized in the capital Sofia.