First speech of Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria: I did not seek this position

Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria. Photo: bg-patriarshia.bg

"I believe that the Lord, who looks into the heart and knows that I did not seek this position, in choosing me for this ministry, will also be my helper, because the Lord not only lays burdens but also saves," Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria said during his first address.

The official website of the Bulgarian Patriarchate publishes the speech of the Head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church at his enthronement:

"With an awareness of my unworthiness for this highly responsible service, but also with faith and obedience to the will of God, expressed through the will of this holy assembly of canonically and lawfully elected representatives of our entire Church, hierarchs, clergy, and Orthodox people, as well as as the testimony of beloved and deeply respected representatives of sister Orthodox Churches, I accept the cross entrusted to me today of patriarchal ministry.

I believe that the Lord, who looks into the heart and knows that I did not seek this position, in choosing me for this ministry, will also be my helper, because the Lord not only lays burdens but also saves. For He Himself has told us that without Him we can do nothing and that He is with us every day until the end of the world.

Enlightenment in the Orthodox faith and piety will be the main concern of my metropolitan ministry in the glorious Sofia diocese, whose capital bears this name, is under the protection of God's Wisdom, and whose episcopal see has been glorified since apostolic times, including through the ministry of Saint Clement of Rome and many other known and unknown saints over the centuries.

Following the example of my recent predecessors, the well-remembered Bulgarian Patriarchs Neophyte, Maxim, and Cyril, I will strive for unity in Christ and fraternal service with the hierarchs of the Holy Synod in the spirit of mutual respect and support in our common work. Care for our spiritual flock will be the guiding principle in our ministry as the Primate of our Orthodox Church and the Chairman of the Holy Synod.

Especially vivid and instructive in this regard is the example of the humility, prudence, patience, purity, mercy, and proper service of the Bulgarian Patriarchs Maxim, who laid hands on me at my episcopal ordination, and Neophyte, who guided me at my episcopal ordination. In over half a century of their ministry, with their love, strong faith in God, and strict observance of church order, they preserved unity in the Holy Synod, and the church ship of our native Church passed whole and unharmed through many and diverse trials. Their example of principle in defending the interests of the Church, tact and diplomacy, including in relations of the Church with state and public institutions, with God's help, I will endeavor to follow in my forthcoming ministry.

The enormous efforts in evangelization and defense of the purity of faith from the Preslav and Turnovo Patriarchs, especially St. Patriarch Euthymius, a perfect pastor who laid down his soul for the sheep, will be an example for us. Also the leaders of our Church after the restoration of its independence in the format of the Bulgarian Exarchate, who with their courage, pastoral care to self-sacrifice for their spiritual flock contributed to the strengthening and timely restoration of the Patriarchal dignity of our Church. Among them – the first Bulgarian Exarch and Vidin Metropolitan Antim – fearlessly exposing the cruelties of the oppressors during the suppression of the April Uprising and contributing to the liberation of our people from Ottoman yoke.

This courage, as well as determination in defending the interests of the Church and readiness for self-sacrifice, will always be an example for us to follow.

The holy example of pastoral responsibility, sincere faith, and love for God, the Church, and all people is our memorable spiritual mentor to this day – Metropolitan of Nevrokop Nathaniel. By the unanimous recognition of God's people, he was the living conscience of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. His zeal for preserving the purity of faith, for overcoming division, for enlightening in faith and piety, primarily of the young generation, fatherly attitude in leading the clergy, love for monasticism, his concern for the poor, for the beauty of worship and the church's improvement, tirelessness in defending and affirming the authority of church institution have always been and will be an example for me to strive for in my service.

I believe that their prayers support all of us in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church's ministry.

In the modern world in which we live, we witness how the rebellion of many people against God leads to the legalization and imposition of sin as the norm of human society. Unfortunately, the blurring of the concepts of good and evil, truth and falsehood inevitably affects church people and inter-church relations. We are called to be peacemakers in action, embodying in our lives the immortal words of St. John Chrysostom: 'The name of the Church is not a division, but unity and agreement.'"

As reported by the UOJ, the enthronement of the newly elected Bulgarian Patriarch took place in Sofia.

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