Metropolitan Gregory of Vratsa led the Easter Service in Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Metropolitan Gregory of Vratsa, Locum Tenens of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, led the Easter service at Sofia’s St. Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral.

In his speech, he urged to remember the high Christian responsibility and called to strengthen ourselves and others in firm faith, sincere love and unwavering hope.

Now more than ever, we need to be peacemakers and to show our love in deed to our neighbour, Metropolitan Gregory noted.

In his speech the Metropolitan of Vratsa pointed out that he was praying for the restoration of the lost ties between the nations, brotherly love, peace in the world and goodwill among people.

The service in the Patriarchal Cathedral was attended by the caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev and other representatives of the interim government.

The Holy Fire brought to Bulgaria from Jerusalem last year was used during the Easter service.

Due to the ongoing military tensions in Israel, the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has decided that this year a representative of Bulgaria will not travel to Jerusalem for the transfer of the Holy Fire to Bulgaria.

After the death of Patriarch Neophyte, this is the second time our country welcomes Easter without head of the church. His Holiness Neophyte passed away on March 13 several days before the start of the Great Lent and Metropolitan Gregory of Vratsa was temporarily elected chairman of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.