Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa, upon receiving the somber news of the passing of Metropolitan Neophyte of Sofia and Patriarch of Bulgaria, expressed profound sorrow. Recognizing the longstanding historical relations and unbroken unity between the two Patriarchal Thrones, he offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the esteemed Archbishop’s soul. In a Patriarchal Letter addressed to Metropolitan John of Varna, Vice President of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Bulgarian Church, Patriarch Theodore conveyed his heartfelt condolences.
It is noted that Metropolitan Elder Theofylaktos of Caesarea attended the funeral service of the late Patriarch of Bulgaria in Sofia, representing the Patriarch of Alexandria.
Read here the condolence message of the Patriarch of Alexandria:
Prot. No. 040/2024
Your Eminence, Metropolitan of Varna and Great Preslav, Vice President of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, esteemed brother in Christ and fellow celebrant of our humble office, John: may grace and peace be multiplied unto you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
With profound sorrow, we have learned of the passing of the Metropolitan of Sofia and Patriarch of Bulgaria, Neophyte, our dear brother and fellow celebrant in the Lord’s service. In our humble prayers, we beseech the Lord to grant rest to his soul in the abode of the righteous.
We were fortunate to have encountered the late Hierarch and to witness his unwavering dedication to the Orthodox faith and the noble ideals of the Bulgarian people. During his tenure in hierarchical ministry, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church experienced significant spiritual progress, characterized by steadfast internal unity and brotherhood.
May the memory of Metropolitan Neophyte of Sofia and Patriarch of Bulgaria endure forever. He was a distinguished ecclesiastical figure and spiritual leader who served the Autocephalous Church of Bulgaria with solemnity and fruitfulness.Your beloved brother in Christ,
† Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa
THEODORE IIIn the Great City
of Alexandria
on March 15, 2024