Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil Visits Bethlehem and Urges Christians to Remain in the Holy Land

On September 26, Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil arrived in Bethlehem for his first official peace visit to the Holy Land since his election. The visit was marked by a formal welcome in the courtyard of the Church of the Nativity, where Ramzi Khoury, Chairman of the Higher Presidential Committee of Churches Affairs, represented Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The ceremony was also attended by Bethlehem Governor Mohammad Taha, Deputy Mayor Gries Karaa, Beit Sahour Mayor Laith Qumsieh, representatives of Palestinian police and security forces, clergy, public figures, and members of the Franciscan and Armenian communities.

Following the welcome, Patriarch Daniil entered the Basilica of the Nativity to venerate the Grotto of the Nativity, where a prayer service was held with clergy and his accompanying delegation. Ramzi Khoury, speaking on behalf of President Abbas, emphasized that visits by church leaders provide support to the local population and help preserve the deeply rooted Christian presence in Palestine. The presence of these dignitaries underscored the diplomatic and spiritual significance of the site for the broader Christian world.

In his address, Patriarch Daniil acknowledged that the Holy Land has endured invasions, wars, and severe trials over the centuries, yet the people there have remained faithful to their land and their faith. He urged local Christians to stay and pray, highlighting the importance of their continued presence in the places associated with the earthly life of Jesus Christ. This call to remain reflects a broader Christian commitment to witness and stability in a region marked by historical conflict and ongoing humanitarian challenges.

Prior to his arrival in Bethlehem, the Bulgarian delegation visited the Mount of Olives, the site of the Lord’s Ascension, and the Monastery of the Ascension. Patriarch Daniil then visited the Russian Convent of St. Mary Magdalene, where he was welcomed by Archimandrite Roman, the head of the Russian Church Abroad in the Holy Land. The itinerary continued with a pilgrimage to the Tomb of the Mother of God in Gethsemane, where an official welcome was arranged by Metropolitan Joachim of Helenopolis.

On the same day, Patriarch Daniil visited the Lavra of St. Sabbas the Sanctified in the Judean Desert. He was welcomed by the monastery’s spiritual leader, Archimandrite Evdokim, and the brotherhood, and venerated the relics of St. Sabbas the Sanctified. The Lavra, founded in the 5th century, is one of the most ancient and significant Orthodox monasteries in the Holy Land, holding a pivotal place in the history of Eastern monasticism and liturgical tradition. The visit to Bethlehem served as a key part of the Patriarch’s broader peace itinerary.

The Patriarch’s emphasis on the importance of Christian presence in the Holy Land aligns with the biblical call to maintain peace and justice among neighbors, as seen in Romans 12:18. His visit highlights the role of religious leaders in fostering dialogue and supporting communities that have long served as custodians of sacred sites. The presence of both Palestinian and international church leaders in Bethlehem underscores the shared responsibility to preserve the spiritual heritage of the region.

The itinerary of Patriarch Daniil’s peace visit reflects a deliberate effort to engage with key Christian sites across the Holy Land. By visiting locations such as the Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, and the Lavra of St. Sabbas, the Patriarch demonstrated a commitment to the historical and spiritual significance of these places. His call for Christians to remain and pray serves as a reminder of the enduring witness of the Church in the land of Jesus’ earthly life.

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