site.btaPatriarch Daniil: God Has Given Us the Great Gift of Freedom

“God has given us the great gift of freedom. This means that he has given us the ability to choose our future - who we want to be, what to strive for, and what to acquire,” said Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil ahead of Thursday’s divine liturgy for the Feast of the Circumcision of the Lord and the feast of Saint Basil the Great.

“In the new year, may God help us grow in the knowledge of the truth, which is Him, in knowing God. This truth makes us free and allows us to choose what is beneficial for us. May the new year truly be fruitful, enriching us with the grace-given gifts of faith, mercy, and love. May this new year, 2026 from the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, be truly filled with God’s blessings for us,” the church leader added.

“If we strive to acquire Christ’s virtues, our year, our time, and our life will be filled with God’s blessings. May the Lord grant a peaceful, healthy, and blessed 2026,” he added.

After the solemn liturgy, the Patriarch will also lead a prayer service for the New Year 2026.

On January 1, the church celebrates the Feast of the Circumcision of the Lord and the memory of Saint Basil the Great.