Patr. Daniel Awards St. John of Rila Order to Metr. Cyprian

STARA ZAGORA, BULGARIA — Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel has awarded Metr. Cyprian of Stara Zagora the Order of St. John of Rila, First Degree, recognizing his service to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The award was presented during celebrations marking six ecclesiastical anniversaries in the diocese.

Patr. Daniel made his first visit to the Stara Zagora Diocese since his election as Bulgarian Patriarch and presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy concluding the four-day festivities. The anniversaries included 155 years since the establishment of the diocese, 130 years since the election of its first metropolitan, Methodius, and 100 years since the birth of Metr. Pankratius. The celebrations also marked Metr. Cyprian’s 50th birthday, 30 years since his monastic tonsure and 10 years since his enthronement.

In his address, Patr. Daniel praised Metr. Cyprian’s decade of service, describing the honor as recognition of the respect and affection he has earned among the faithful. He wished the hierarch many more years of service to God and the Church. Patr. Daniel also presented him with a Panagia on behalf of the Holy Synod.

Metr. Cyprian expressed gratitude for the support of his fellow hierarchs and recalled the spiritual influence of his predecessors, particularly Metr. Pankratius, whom he described as a deeply prayerful bishop and his spiritual elder.

The celebrations included a forum, commemorations of St. Clement of Ohrid, and the Sixth National Meeting of Orthodox Youth. Hierarchs from several Local Orthodox Churches and representatives of Bulgarian civil and academic institutions attended the events.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Daniel concluded his historic visit to the Jerusalem Patriarchate.