site.btaPresident Meets Patriarch, Highlights Role of Faith and Unity

President Iliana Iotova met with Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia Patriarch Daniil, the President’s Press Secretariat reported on Thursday. The meeting was held at the invitation of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

"Faith unites us and instills values that are necessary in today’s dangerous world," Iotova told the Patriarch. 

The head of State highlighted the historic role of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in the national liberation struggles, the Liberation and the establishment of the Third Bulgarian State, as well as in the present challenging times.

"We are all called to serve our people and, despite our differences, we can work in harmony for Bulgaria, for the prosperity of the Bulgarian people and for the country’s international standing," the President added.

Patriarch Daniil noted that during the past two terms the presidential institution has enjoyed strong public trust thanks to consistent and principled policies in favour of citizens. He wished Iliana Iotova success in continuing to fulfil the head of State’s main mission – the unity of the nation, the President's Press Secretariat said.

Iotova requested the blessing of the Holy Synod for the upcoming third International Forum on the Cyrillic Alphabet, scheduled for March. The previous two editions were held with the support and participation of the Holy Synod. One of the highlights of this year’s conference will focus on the life and work of St. John of Rila, marking two anniversaries – 1,150 years since his birth and 1,080 years since his death. 

Patriarch Daniil presented the head of State with an icon of St. John of Rila on the occasion of the 1,080th anniversary of the saint’s passing. In turn, President Iotova presented the Bulgarian Patriarch with an altar cross, as well as two volumes of scholarly papers from the international forums on the Cyrillic alphabet, wishing him to continue guiding Orthodox Christians on the path to salvation.