Patr. Daniel of Bulgaria to Visit Jerusalem in September
Patr. Daniel will visit Jerusalem Sept. 25–30 and celebrate the Divine Liturgy with Patr. Theophilos at Christ’s Tomb.
JERUSALEM — The Patriarchate of Jerusalem has announced that Patr. Daniel of Bulgaria will visit the Holy Land from Sept. 25 to 30, 2026, accompanied by a delegation of Bulgarian Orthodox hierarchs.
Patr. Theophilos III, together with the Holy Synod and Brotherhood of the Most Holy Sepulchre, expressed its anticipation of receiving the Bulgarian primate in Jerusalem. The Patriarchate described the visit as a continuation of the centuries-old spiritual ties and Eucharistic communion between the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and the Church of Jerusalem.
The two primates are scheduled to celebrate the Divine Liturgy together on Sept. 27 at the Life-giving Tomb of Christ. According to the Patriarchate, they will pray at the Holy Shrines for the preservation of the Christian presence in the Holy Land and for peace in the Middle East and throughout the world.
The Jerusalem Patriarchate said the visit takes place while the Holy Land is experiencing “immense trials.” It described the pilgrimage as a manifestation of support for the Christian community there and a witness to the unity of the Orthodox faith.
The delegation will include Metr. John of Varna and Veliko Preslav, Metr. Seraphim of Nevrokop, and Bp. Gerasim of Melnik. The Jerusalem Patriarchate also said the delegation will travel through Jerusalem and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, praying that the pilgrimage will strengthen the common witness of the two Churches.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Jordan planned a museum and pilgrims’ village at the site of Jesus' baptism.