Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte's tomb desecrated in Sofia
The grave of Patriarch Neophyte of Bulgaria. Photo: bg-patriarshia.bg
During the night of April 16, 2024, vandals desecrated the grave of Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte, located under the colonnade of the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Week in Sofia. This was reported by the website of the Bulgarian Patriarchate.
"A cross was removed from the tomb and part of it was broken, as well as part of the marble surrounding the tomb of the late head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Law enforcement agencies have been notified of the incident, and measures are being taken to search for the perpetrators," the Patriarchate wrote.
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church also added that on Sunday, April 21, a requiem liturgy and memorial service will be held in the Church of the Holy Week to mark the 40th day since the death of Patriarch Neophyte.
As reported by the UOJ, the Primate of the UOC prayed for the repose of the Bulgarian Patriarch.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.