site.btaBulgarian and Jerusalem Patriarchs Discuss Holy Week Services Amid Regional Unrest

The Head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC), Patriarch Daniil, held a telephone conversation on Monday with Theophilos III, the Patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, the press service of the BOC–Bulgarian Patriarchate reported.

Daniil expressed concern over troubling news about the ongoing military operations in the Middle East and reports of restricted access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Theophilos briefed him on the current situation in the holy city and the surrounding region, stating that services during Holy Week and Easter will continue uninterrupted and that representatives of the Local Churches will have access to the church for the Holy Fire, as in previous years.

The Bulgarian church leader voiced his full support for the ancient Jerusalem Patriarchate, calling it the "Mother of Churches," and for its faithful enduring great trials. He reassured his counterpart that the Orthodox Bulgarian people pray daily for the Holy Zion Church and for all those affected by the conflicts.

The conversation concluded with wishes for peace in the region and worldwide, and for a joyful celebration of the Feast of Feasts – the Resurrection of Our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ.