On Saturday, the 100th anniversary of the consecration of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia marked a moment of inter-Orthodox communion.
Alongside Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria, hierarchs from most local Orthodox Churches participated in the celebration of St. Alexander Nevsky.
His Grace Bishop Ieronim of Dacia Felix represented the Romanian Orthodox Church at the event.
“Times change, the world around us changes as well, and generation after generation, we face new trials and challenges. Yet, the temple-monument in the heart of our capital continues to remind us of the deeds of those thanks to whom we live today in freedom and independence,” remarked Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria.
The event was broadcast live on the official Facebook page of the Bulgarian Church.
Vice President Iliana Yotova also attended the solemn Divine Liturgy.
The Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky was consecrated in 1924. Construction began 20 years earlier, in 1904, and was completed in 1912. Located in the square bearing its name, the cathedral was built as a tribute to the soldiers who fell during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, which led to Bulgaria’s independence from the Ottoman Empire.
The cathedral’s patron saint, St. Alexander Nevsky (1220–1263), is a notable figure in medieval Russian history and was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1547.
Photo: Bulgarian Patriarchate
