Patriarchs of Jerusalem and Bulgaria Concelebrate Divine Liturgy at Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria and Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem concelebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on September 27, 2026, during the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The event marked the culmination of Patriarch Daniel’s first irenic visit to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, a moment of spiritual unity and shared witness.

Patriarch Daniel expressed deep concern over the declining Christian presence in the Middle East, reaffirming the Bulgarian Orthodox Church’s solidarity with the Patriarchate of Jerusalem amid these challenging times. The two leaders joined in the sacred celebration, underscoring the enduring bonds between their communities and the shared mission of the Orthodox faith.

Following the Divine Liturgy, a solemn procession carried a reliquary Cross containing fragments of the True Cross. Patriarch Theophilos led the procession, carrying the Cross to the site where Saint Helena discovered it, symbolizing the historical and spiritual significance of the Holy Sepulchre. The procession continued around the Edicule of the Holy Sepulchre, with Patriarch Daniel and other clergy taking turns bearing the Cross, concluding at the Chapel of Golgotha.

Patriarch Theophilos reflected on the relevance of the Holy Cross amid global conflicts and divisions. He emphasized that the Cross represents Christ’s Passion and victory, as well as the reconciliation of heaven and earth. “The Church does not preach peace as an abstract idea; it bears witness to the Crucified and Risen Christ, who is the peace, reconciliation and hope of the world,” he stated, highlighting the Church’s role in embodying Christ’s message of unity and love.

The Patriarch also called for a deeper understanding of peace as a lived reality, rooted in the teachings of Christ. His words echoed the biblical principle found in Romans 12:18, which encourages believers to live in harmony and seek the good of others. The message resonated with the ongoing efforts of Christians in the Holy Land to witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Patriarch Daniel, in his address, highlighted the centuries-old spiritual ties between the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. He recalled the contributions of Bulgarian monks during the Ottoman period and expressed gratitude for the support of the late Patriarch Diodoros of Jerusalem during the 1998 Pan-Orthodox Council, which helped resolve internal divisions within the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

The visit underscored the importance of inter-church cooperation and mutual respect, reflecting the broader Christian call to unity and witness. As the leaders continued their shared mission, the event served as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Holy Cross and its message of hope and reconciliation.

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