site.btaSt Stephen Feast Day Is Very Important for Us, Says Bulgarian Exarchate Church Foundations Chair Dimitri Yotef in Istanbul

The day is very important for the Bulgarian community because it marks the feast day of St Stephen Church, said Dimitri Yotef, Chair of the Boards of the Foundation of the Orthodox Churches of the Bulgarian Exarchate in Istanbul and the Foundation of the Bulgarian Church St George in Edirne. He spoke after the festive liturgy at St Stephen Church, led by Patriarch Daniil, Patriarch of Bulgaria and Metropolitan of Sofia.

The event marked the start of the fourth day of Patriarch Daniil’s first peaceful visit.

Addressing the Patriarch, Yotef wished him health and good fortune and thanked him for being with the community on the feast day. He also wished a peaceful and blessed 2026, filled with success, health and hope.

As a sign of gratitude, Yotef presented Patriarch Daniil with a pastoral staff.