Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv sent a message of condolence to the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and to Metropolitan John of Varna and Great Preslav, as vice-president of the Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
As mentioned, the late Patriarch was distinguished by his profound faith, his unwavering love for the Orthodox Church and the Bulgarian people, and his extensive years of pastoral service as a priest, hierarch, and Patriarch.
“The Bulgarian Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, along with our fraternal peoples, Bulgarians and Ukrainians, share many chapters of history, as we have long been united by the Orthodox faith, church tradition, and numerous bonds,” the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine said in his message.
He went on to say: “Just as the Bulgarian people chose their freedom and preserved their national and church identity, the Ukrainian people are now defending their freedom and right to life against the onslaught of a ruthless enemy.”
Metropolitan Epifaniy concludes that “we are grateful to all Bulgarian believers, clergy, and hierarchs who pray for the triumph of truth and the establishment of a just peace for Ukraine. From the depths of our hearts, we implore the Lord for peace and prosperity for the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
May the memory of the late Patriarch of Bulgaria and Metropolitan of Sofia, Neophyte, be eternal.
With paternal love in Christ,
Epifaniy,
Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine
Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.”