In his message of condolence upon the passing of Patriarch Neophyte sent to the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia acknowledged the significant loss felt not only by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and state but also by the entire Orthodox Church.
The Patriarch of Georgia stated, “He performed his ministry in the rank of the foremost hierarch for eleven years; but he had dedicated his life to the Church since his youth and with his selfless labour left an indelible mark on the life of the country and on an international arena.”
The message extends condolences to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, clergy, and laity, expressing sorrow over Patriarch Neophyte’s death. “Also, we pray to the Merciful Lord that He might grant His Holiness Neophyte’s immortal soul an abode among the righteous and give him eternal rest in the bosom of Abraham,” concludes the statement.
Read the full message of condolences sent by Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia:
To the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Bulgaria
His Holiness Patriarch Neophyte’s decease is a great loss as for your Church and state so also for the entire Orthodox Church. He performed his ministry in the rank of the foremost hierarch for eleven years; but he had dedicated his life to the Church since his youth and with his selfless labour left an indelible mark on the life of the country and on an international arena.
We offer our condolences to the Holy Synod of the Church of Bulgaria, her clergy and laity, and on behalf of the Church of Georgia and, personally on my behalf, express our sorrow over His Holiness’s death.
Also, we pray to the Merciful Lord that He might grant His Holiness Neophyte’s immortal soul an abode among the righteous and give him eternal rest in the bosom of Abraham.
Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia,
Archbishop of Mtskheta and Tbilisi,
and Metropolitan of Bitchvinta and Tskhum-Apkhazeti
Tbilisi, 2024