I will follow the example of my predecessors, said Bulgaria's newly elected Patriarch Daniil

"Conscious of my own unworthiness for this highly responsible ministry, but also in faith and obedience to God's will, expressed through the will of this holy assembly of canonically and legitimately elected representatives of our whole Church - the priesthood, clergy and Orthodox people, and in the witness of the beloved and deeply respected representatives of our sister Orthodox Churches, I accept the cross of the patriarchal ministry entrusted to me today, the newly-elected Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia, Metropolitan Daniil, said in his address at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky" at the ceremony of his enthronement on June 30.

I believe that the Lord, who looks on the heart and knows that I have not sought this position, having chosen me for this ministry, he will also be my helper. For he himself has told us that without him we can do nothing, but also that he is with us - all the days until the end of the world, said Patriarch Daniil.

Bulgaria's newly elected Patriarch is Metropolitan Daniil of Vidin

He noted that in today's confused times of multiplying sins, we all need a vivid and clear testimony of God's presence, mercy and love for us. This obliges me in my upcoming ministry to be supportive in the faith and life according to God - to the spiritual flock entrusted to me, in upholding the purity of Christ's faith and piety, and encouragement on the path to salvation of our spiritual flock, said the newly elected Bulgarian Patriarch.

"Following the example of my predecessors of recent times - the Primates of the Bulgarian Patriarchs Neophyte, Maxim and Cyril, I will strive to make unity in Christ and fraternal service with my fellow hierarchs of the Holy Synod in a spirit of mutual respect and support in our common care for our spiritual flock the guiding principles in our joint ministry as Primate of our Orthodox Church and of the Holy Synod," Patriarch Daniil said.

Source: BTA

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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.

The enthronement ceremony was attended by the Speaker of Bulgaria’s Parliament Raya Nazaryan, President Rumen Radev, Vice President Iliana Iotova, caretaker Prime Minister 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 caretaker ministers.

President Rumen Radev wished the newly elected Patriarch to uphold the unity and independence of the Bulgarian church and to strive for the welfare of the Bulgarian people.

The independence of the Bulgarian Patriarchate is an invaluable legacy of our glorious centuries-old past, a spiritual fortress and a historical feat.

He noted that his election comes during challenging times for all humanity.

"That is why we turn our gaze to Patriarch Daniil with the hope that he will defend the unity and autocephaly of our Church and the good of Bulgaria. To raise the faith that our Orthodox Church will remain the guardian of life, the pillar of peace and the pillar of its historic mission to be the moral support of the Bulgarian people, to lead them to spiritual ascent, to give them hope and guidance in difficult days," Radev said.

Caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev said that believers need a Patriarch who will be a unifier, as was His Holiness Neophyte, God rest his soul''.''The state should not interfere in the church affairs", Dimitar Glavchev said.