Pat. Daniel Prays for Peace in Ukraine on Sofia Liberation Anniversary

Photo: balkaninsight.com

SOFIA, BULGARIA — On January 3, 2026, Bulgarian Pat. Daniel led a Divine Liturgy at St. Nedelya Cathedral in Sofia, marking the 148th anniversary of the city’s liberation from Ottoman rule. Following the service, he offered a thanksgiving prayer commemorating the sacrifices of those who preserved Bulgaria’s Orthodox faith and spiritual identity during centuries of Ottoman occupation.

Pat. Daniel honored the “self-sacrifice of Russian, Bulgarian, Romanian and other warriors who took part in the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation,” noting the active support of the Bulgarian people during the harsh winter crossing of the Balkan Mountains.

In addition to honoring history, the Patriarch prayed for peace in the present, asking for an end to the war in Ukraine and for reconciliation between “two brotherly nations.” He reflected on the courage and devotion of Sofia’s residents in 1878, when Russian troops entered the city and were welcomed by the people at Koru-Cheshme Square, now St. Nedelya Square.

Pat. Daniel’s prayers linked Bulgaria’s past liberation with hopes for contemporary peace.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Bulgaria warned of the dangers of false "spiritual teachers." 

Read also