President Radev: Eternal and blessed be the memory of Patriarch Neophyte

Eternal and blessed be the memory of Patriarch Neophyte, Bulgaria's President Rumen Radev wrote on Facebook on March 13.

Minutes ago it was reported that the Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia had died.

Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte has passed away

"I bow my head with deep sorrow in memory of His Holiness Neophyte, Patriarch of Bulgaria and Metropolitan of Sofia," the President wrote.

"The death of the Head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church is a huge loss for the Church and for the Bulgarian people. With his dedicated spiritual service to God and Orthodoxy, Patriarch Neophyte established himself as a pillar of the Bulgarian nation and our state.

May God forgive him and rest his soul! Eternal and blessed be his memory," the post reads.

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Patriarch Neophyte, the Head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, has passed away in hospital of multiorgan failure after battling a long illness.

The news was announced minutes before 11 pm on March 13 by Metropolitan Anthony, and at 11.30 pm the Holy Synod officially confirmed the death of His Holiness.