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• Pope John Paul II Receives
12-Member Delegation
of Jewish Community in Bulgaria
• Bulgarian
Government "Gratified" with Pope's Statement that He Never Believed
in So-Called Bulgarian Connection
• At First Ever Meeting between Bulgarian Patriarch
and Roman Pontiff, Pope John Paul II
Donates Church in Rome to Orthodox Church
• Pope
Visits
Alexander Nevski Cathedral
• Pope Tells President Purvanov
He Never Believed in
Bulgarian Connection
Greeting Bulgarian Intellectuals,
Pontiff Quotes Khan Omourtag,
Father Paissii
Sofia, May 24 (BTA)
Greeting representatives of Bulgarian
science, art and culture, Pope John Paul II quoted Khan Omourtag
and Father Paissii.
Several thousand Bulgarian intellectuals flocked to the meeting
with the distinguished guest at the largest hall of Sofia's
National Palace of Culture Friday evening.
Part of the address was read on behalf of the Holy Father by
Father Peter Kyossev, who teaches him Bulgarian.
"I would very much like this meeting of ours to turn into a
solemn act of respect and gratitude to Sts Cyril and Methodius,
whom I proclaimed Co-patrons of Europe together with St Benedict
of Norcia in 1980. They still have something to teach us, the
people of East and West," the Pontiff said.
He expressed his joy at meeting representatives of the various
areas of science, arts and culture who represent "the entire
noble Bulgarian people."
John Paul II cordially greeted the organizers of the Banner of
Peace initiative and said that he is entrusting to them a
Pontifical Bell, wishing that its peal evoke in Bulgarian
children and young people the duty and responsibility to promote
friendship and understanding among the different peoples.
The Head of the Roman Catholic Church noted the importance of
May 24, on which Bulgaria celebrates the feast of the Holy
Brothers Cyril and Methodius, "courageous preachers of Christ's
Gospel and founders of the language and culture of the Slav
peoples." He noted the special services of Sts Cyril and
Methodius, who propagated the Gospel among the peoples of
idiosyncratic culture "through the ingenious and original
creation of new letters."
The Pope described the lifework of Cyril and Methodius as "a
great contribution to the shaping of the common European
Christian roots which, thanks to their depth and viability,
define one of the most important landmarks of culture which must
be a point of departure for any serious attempt to reinvent the
current unification of the continent."
Pope John Paul II gave a quotation from Father Paissii's "Slav
Bulgarian History" (1762): "Every people with a glorious past
has the right to a wonderful future."
He wished Bulgaria, "the marvellous Land of Roses, a bright
future, so that it can continue to be a meeting point between
East and West and, with the blessing of God Almighty, to prosper
in freedom, progress and peace."
"Our land may be small, but our heart is large and there will
always be a place in it for a person sent by God," prominent
writer Ivan Radichkov said, addressing Pope John Paul II at his
meeting with Bulgarian scientists, artists and cultural figures
Friday evening.
Welcoming the Pope on behalf of the National Committee on the
Organization of the Visit of His Holiness to Bulgaria and the
intellectuals, Radichkov stressed that the "Holy Father's visit
to Bulgaria is a great honour and that it coincides with the
Bulgarians' most celebrated spiritual holiday: the Day of the
Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius whom the Pope has proclaimed
co-patrons of Europe."
"We small nations are like little children, delighted by every
sign of attention on the part of the big ones. Arrogance and
conceit are alien to us, and we dislike them, probably because
we never dominated other peoples. We believe that every nation -
whether big or small, has the right to a flag and to a voice.
Our country is small in area, but in the course of the ages
people here have named every inch of land, creating place names,
and Bulgarians have thus christened their land," Radichkov
said.
The exchange of addresses was followed by a gala concert
featuring noted Bulgarian performers.
 Pope John Paul II Receives
12-Member Delegation
of Jewish Community in Bulgaria
Sofia, May 24 (BTA)
Pope John Paul II received a 12-member
delegation of the Jewish community in Bulgaria late Friday
afternoon. The delegation included Chief Rabbi Yossif Levi, the
Chairman of the Consistory of the Shalom Organization of Jews in
Bulgaria Dr Emil Kalo and other representatives of Shalom, the
Charman of the Central Jewish Religious Council of Bulgaria
Daniel Leviev, and artists Gredy Assa and Reni Bahneva, who
painted the paintings that were presented to the Pontiff.
The meeting was held at the invitation of the Pope.
"So far the Jewish community has had very good relations with
the ambassadors of the Vatican here," Levi said on arrival at
the Apostolic Nunciature.
"We spoke about the values professed by the so-called Abrahamic
religions: Judaism and Christianity. Again, he called us 'elder
brothers and sisters'," Kalo said after the 20-minute meeting.
Bulgarian Government "Gratified" with
Pope's Statement that He Never Believed
in So-Called Bulgarian Connection
Sofia, May 24 (BTA)
"The Government of the Republic of
Bulgaria has been gratified and grateful to learn about the
statement of Pope John Paul II that he never believed in the
so-called 'Bulgarian connection' in the 1981assassination
attempt against him and sees this as a great injustice to the
Bulgarian people," the Council of Ministers' Information
Directorate said in an announcement to BTA.
"This statement finally removes a terrible stigma from the image
of Bulgaria, undeservedly attached more than 20 years ago," the
announcement reads.
The Government also expresses gratitude for the support which
the Holy Father gives to Bulgaria's efforts along the road of
its European integration.
"The warmth with which the Head of the Roman Catholic Church
spoke about Bulgaria and his visit to Bulgaria itself will
contribute to a greater attention to and confidence in this
country as an important and reliable partner in international
relations," the announcement says in conclusion.
 At First Ever Meeting between Bulgarian Patriarch
and Roman Pontiff, Pope John Paul II
Donates Church in Rome to Orthodox Church
Sofia, May 24 (BTA)
Patriarch Maksim and Pope John Paul II
conferred for more than 40 minutes here Friday in the first ever
meeting between a Primate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and
a Roman Pontiff. The Head of the Roman Catholic Church arrived
on an official visit and Apostolic Journey to Bulgaria on
Thursday.
At the meeting, which took place at the Holy Synod headquarters
in central Sofia, the two spiritual leaders read addresses in
which both mentioned the Feast Day of Sts Cyril and Methodius,
which is celebrated on Friday, Walter Kasper, Cardinal President
of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity
(PCPCU), said after the meeting. Cardinal Kasper made a
statement for the press on behalf of the Holy See.
"We welcome you and the delegation that accompanies you to the
land of Bulgaria and to the ancient Bulgarian capital Sofia,
which bears the name of the Holy Wisdom of God," Patriarch
Maksim of Bulgaria told Pope John Paul II as they met at the
Holy Synod.
"Before the official conversion of the Slav-Bulgarian people to
Christianity, this God-saved city was honoured to welcome
apostolic successors in the person of the bishops attending the
Council of Sardica in 343, which confirmed the principal dogma
of the Church of Christ: the belief in the Triune God," the Head
of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church noted.
He noted that the true-believing Bulgarian people was born in
the bosom of the Christian faith and has used it to regenerate
spiritually and survive down the ages. "With pure faith and
knowledge of God, the Holy Isapostolic Brothers Cyril and
Methodius and their devout disciples, during the reign of the
God-wise King Boris-Mihail, Christianizer of the Bulgarian
People, dawned on the soils and hearts of Slavdom thirsting for
true evangelical spiritual enlightenment," the Patriarch said.
"Bulgaria remained loyal to the testament of Cyril and
Methodius. This is the stake and the power of today's
celebration, entered in the calendar of church and people as Day
of Bulgarian Education and Culture and of Slav Letters," Maksim
said.
He thanked for the opportunity affored to envoys of Bulgaria,
religious dignitaries and cultural figures, to pay homage to the
tomb of St Constantine Cyril, the Slav Bulgarian Enlightener,
in Rome annually on the occasion of May 24.
"Your visit here will enable you to familiarize yourself with
the legacy of the great cause of the brothers Cyril and
Methodius, which is reverently preserved in our church and has
been incarnated in the souls of our devout people," the
Patriarch told the guest.
Maksim noted that, alongside the day's festive celebrations, the
sad fact that the West seceded from the East in the mid-11th
century cannot be ignored. "Still, we are convinced that
Christ's sacrificial love is strong and patient and expects
everybody to come to achieve knowledge of the truth which has
been preserved and is professed in the Holy Orthodox Church,"
the Bulgarian spiritual leader said.
"Aware of our duty as bearers of the light of Jesus, we make
steady efforts towards affirmation of truth and justice,
preservation of the values of human culture and civilization,
and establishment of peace on earth and good will among men," he
said.
Calling on everybody to follow this road of salvation mapped out
by the Lord, Patriarch Maksim concluded his address by the
greeting, "Christ Is Risen!"
In his address, Pope John Paul II said: "I am happy to meet with
you today, 24 May. [Å] Today the Lord enables us to meet
personally and to exchange 'the kiss of peace'." "This first
time in history that a Bishop of Rome visits this land and meets
you and the Holy Synod is rightly a moment of joy, because it
is a sign of a gradual growth in ecclesial communion," the
Pontiff observed. "I come to you with a sense of esteem for the
mission which the Orthodox Church of Bulgaria is undertaking,
and I wish to express my respect and appreciation for your
commitment to the good of the people of this land."
"Christ our Lord founded a single Church, while we today appear
to the world divided, as if Christ himself were divided. 'Such
division openly contradicts the will of Christ, scandalizes the
world, and damages that most holy cause, the preaching of the
Gospel to every creature' (Decree on Ecumenism, Unitatis
Redintegratio, 1), the Holy Father said. In his words, " the
estrangement between Catholics and Orthodox has never
extinguished in them the desire to restore full ecclesial
communion, so that the unity for which the Lord prayed to the
Father might be manifested more clearly. Today we can give
thanks to God that the bonds between us have been much
strengthened."
"In broaching this theme, we cannot fail to look to the example
of unity offered in the first millennium in very concrete ways
by the holy brothers Cyril and Methodius, whose memory in your
land is so vivid and legacy so profoundly felt. Their witness is
relevant even to those who, in the field of politics, are
working to bring about European unification. In searching for
its own identity, the Continent cannot but return to its
Christian roots. The whole of Europe, both West and East,
expects Catholics and Orthodox to work together for the defence
of peace and justice, human rights and the culture of life," the
Pope said.
"The example of Saints Cyril and Methodius is above all
emblematic for the unity of Christians in the one Church of
Christ. They were sent to Eastern Europe by the Patriarch of
Constantinople in order to bring the true faith to the Slav
peoples in their own tongue; and in the face of obstacles placed
on that path by the neighbouring Western dioceses, which
claimed that it was their responsibility to bring the Cross of
Christ to the Slav countries, they came to the Pope in order to
have their mission confirmed (cf. Encyclical Epistle, Slavorum
Apostoli, 5). For us, therefore, they are as it were 'the
connecting links or spiritual bridge between the Eastern and
Western traditions, which both come together in the one great
Tradition of the universal Church. For us they are the champions
and also the patrons of the ecumenical endeavour of the sister
Churches of East and West, for the rediscovery through prayer
and dialogue of visible unity in perfect and total communion,
'the unity which...is neither absorption or fusion', [but which]
is a meeting in truth and love, granted to us by the Spirit'
(ibid., 27)," the Pope observed in his address.
"As we meet today, I am glad to recall the many contacts between
the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church of Bulgaria,
beginning with the Second Vatican Council, to which the latter
sent observers. I am confident that these direct contacts, which
happily have increased in recent years, will also have a
positive impact on the theological dialogue in which Catholic
and Orthodox are involved through the relevant Mixed
International Commission," John Paul II said.
As a token of willingness to deepen the contacts between the
Catholic Church and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, the Pope
offered the Bulgarian Orthodox community in Rome for their
worship the use of the Church of Sts Vincent and Anastasius at
the Trevi Fountain and presented, as a gift to the Bulgarian
Orthodox Church, a famous relic of St Dasius, a martyred Roman
soldier slain at Durosturum (now Silistra, Northeastern
Bulgaria) circa AD 300. The relic was requested by the Holy
Synod after the Fifth Council of Clergy and Laity at the end of
2001 restored the Metropolitan See of Silistra. For the time
being, the relic will be preserved at the Holy Synod chapel.
Cardinal Kasper described Orthodox-Catholic relations as
intensive and expressed the hope that they will deepen. "The
dialogue between the two churches is very important for the
future integration of Europe," he said. "Certainly, we should
realize that the differences between the Orthodox and the
Catholic Churches are not that deep, that far more things bring
us together," Cardinal Kapser said. In his opinion, the two
churches have a common task to "re-discover the Christian roots
in Europe."
Asked about his idea of the ways the two churches could narrow
the gap between them, the PCPCU Cardinal President answered
that there are two ways: oecumenism in truth and in love.
A future visit of the Patriarch to Rome was not discussed at the
meeting, the Cardinal also said.
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church presented to the Pope an icon of
Prince Boris I Christianizer of the Bulgarian People. "The
Bulgarian Orthodox Church has always been desirous of
communion," Metropolitan Neofit of Rousse said, speaking on
behalf of the Holy Synod. Asked whether this meeting can be seen
as an important step towards the unity of the two churches, the
Metropolitan answered: "The Catholic Church hardly has a
special interest in achieving unity first with the Bulgarian
Orthodox Church."
"Patriarch Maksim's wish was to call on the Catholic world to
take bolder steps towards increasing closeness with Orthodoxy,"
Metropolitan Neofit said.
"This meeting was a meeting of goodwill, ushering in a new
closeness and friendship. The questions of faith can be
discussed precisely in a friendly atmosphere and milieu," the
Metropolitan stressed. "The Bulgarian Orthodox Church has always
been desirous of communion, but along lines of friendship
through the churches," he went on to say.
In his opinion, the Catholic Church should conduct the dialogue
and pursue a future increase of closeness with the official
representatives of the Orthodox Churches.
At the end of the meeting, the Pope and the Patriarch had a
brief informal conversation in Russian. The guests were treated
to Troyan plum brandy, coffee and nuts.
 Pope
Visits
Alexander Nevski Cathedral
Sofia, May 24 (BTA)
"We admire your feat, a feat becoming
an apostle. God bless you for health, peace and salvation," West
and Central European Metropolitan Simeon told Pope John Paul II
during the latter's visit to the Alexander Nevski Cathedral on
Friday morning. The Pope arrived here on a two-day official
visit on Thursday.
Metropolitans from the Holy Synod met the Pope in front of
the building. Upon his entrance, he blessed the laymen that were
in the cathedral at the time.
The Pope was then shown around the cathedral. He was moved
around on a platform. The Pope was shown the relics of Saint
Alexander Nevski and told curious details from the cathedral's
history by his hosts.
"Welcome to our small but very beautiful country and to our
Holy Bulgarian Orthodox Church which has been spreading the word
of God in the past 1,300 years or so," Metropolitan Simeon said
in his address. Bulgaria is celebrating the Saints Cyril and
Methodius whose legacy the Bulgarian people treasure until
today, he said.
During their time back in the 9th century, the Holy Brothers
were a bridge between the East and the West and they should
serve today as an example for unity in the Christian faith,
Simeon said about the two bothers who have been canonized by the
Bulgarian church.
He stressed that the Bulgaria Orthodox Church , a good
keeper of tradition, has co-existed in peace and love with all
Christian churches.
Metropolitan Simeon then gifted the Pope an icon of Apostles
Peter and Paul on behalf of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
"I want to thank you for this hearty welcome," the Pope
said. He then signed the guest book and autographed two other
books.
On his way out, the Pope stopped to bless the icon of the
Holy Brothers.
Bulgarian Foreign Minister Solomon Passy was also in the
cathedral during the papal tour but he stayed away from the
official delegation.
In front of the cathedral, the Pope was greeted with chants
of "We are with you" and "Unity".
One of the bodyguards lifted a child and it was blessed by
the Pope.
 Pope Tells President Purvanov
He Never Believed in
Bulgarian Connection
Sofia, May 24 (BTA)
During his one-to-one meeting with
Bulgarian President Georgi Purvanov, Pope John Paul II said he
had never believed in the so called "Bulgarian connection" in
the 1981 attempt on his life, said Joachim Navaro Vals, Holy
See's Press Office head.,
He said the Pope's words can be interpreted as part of the
joint statement by the press secretariat of the Bulgarian head
of state and by the Holy See's press office director which
Joaquin Navarro-Vals read out.
During the meeting, Purvanov expressed his deep admiration
for the Pontiff's active role in strengthening peace in the
world, for building a more just society and for intensifying
dialogue and understanding between religious faiths and nations.
Purvanov emphasized the respect that the Bulgarian people
feel towards the Pope which makes impossible any participation
on Bulgaria' part in the assassination attempt, the joint
statement said.
The two sides underscored the intransient significance of
the spiritual legacy of Saints Cyril and Methodius. The Pope
confirmed that he has always loved the Bulgarian people and he
values highly the country's cultural and spiritual traditions
and expressed support for the ethnic and religious model in the
country, for Bulgaria's efforts to build a truly democratic
society which respects human rights.
The two sides confirmed the importance of observing the
principles of freedom of worship and of conscience as the
mainstays of democracy. A common will to further develop
bilateral relations in the social, humanitarian, scientific and
cultural spheres was expressed and the readiness of both sides
to prepare an agreement between Bulgaria and the Holy See on
this matter was underscored.
The two sides condemned racism, xenophobia and ethnic
intolerance and urged active measures to counter terrorism,
organized crime, drug and human trafficking, child pornography
and labour.
Globalization should be accompanied by solidarity to prevent
the divide between the rich and the poor states from widening,
the statement said. Human kind should seek solutions for the
negative fallouts from globalization which include poverty,
unemployment and illiteracy.
The two sides exchanged views on peace in Europe, security
and cooperation. It was noted that each European state should
contribute to the building of a common European home where each
nation can share its cultural, spiritual and religious wealth.
The historic role of Christian churches in the building of new
Europe was noted in that respect.
The Pope expressed support for Bulgaria's ambition to join
the EU, to make a contribution with its history and culture
which were conditioned to a large extent by Christianity. He
stressed the European dimension of Bulgarian culture, of
Bulgarian historic and spiritual legacy as well as the
significance of Bulgaria as a bridge between the West and the
East.
The two sides expressed satisfaction with the peace and
stabilization of Southeast Europe and especially of the Western
Balkans. Conditions are being created to turn the region into a
haven of peace, freedom and understanding, the statement said,
noting that Bulgaria is an integral part of Europe. The two
sides were unanimous that all that is necessary should be done
for the integration of the region in the EU as soon as possible
and for its economic and social development.
The two sides expressed deep concern over the ongoing
violence in the Middle East. It was noted that all violence
should end immediately, that Israeli-Palestinian talks should
resume as soon as possible and with the combined efforts of the
two sides and with the support of the international
community a comprehensive, fair and lasting solution should be
found to the conflict.
A common conviction was expressed that peace negotiations
are the one way to solve the Arab-Israeli conflicts on the basis
of the land-for-peace formula and the UN Security Council
resolutions while guarantying the right of each state in the
region to live in peace and security within internationally
recognized borders.
At the meetinmg the Bulgarian head of state raised the issue
of opening a Bulgarian Cultural Centre in Rome to study the
rich cultural and historical past of the relations between
Bulgaria and the Vatican. The President suggested that the
Institute is named after the holy Cyril and Methodius brothers.
His Holiness Pope John Paul II expressed support for the
President's idea, saying this was a good project and that there
is a need for such an institute and it should be set up, the
President's Press Secretariat said.
Purvanov presented the Pope with an icon depicting brothers
Cyril and Methodius, who invented the Cyrillic alphabet, and
their five most distinguished disciples. The icon was crafted by
Asen Hadjikostov and Toshko Marinov, locals of Stara Zagora,
BTA was told by the presidential press secretariat.
The Pope reciprocated by presenting Purvanov with a mosaic
depicting the Madonna and Child with the inscription "Salus
populi romani".
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