Rector of the Russian Orthodox Church Metochion in Sofia takes part in procession marking the 1700th anniversary of the Finding of the Cross of the Lord

DECR Communication service, 16.09.2026.

By decision of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, celebrations dedicated to the 1700th anniversary of the Finding of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord were held in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia on September 12 and 13, 2026.

On September 12, Lesser Vespers was celebrated at the Church of the Exaltation of the Precious Cross. Following the service, a procession carrying a particle of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord proceeded from the church to the Patriarchal Cathedral of St Alexander Nevsky.

The prayerful procession was led by His Holiness Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria, Metropolitan of Sofia. Also taking part in the procession were Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech; Bishop John of Branitsa, First Vicar of the Sofia Metropolia; Bishop Isaac of Velbazhd, Second Vicar of the Sofia Metropolia; Bishop Meletius of Znepol, Rector of the Sofia Theological Seminary; Bishop Michael of Constantia, Vicar of the Lovech Metropolia; Archpriest Vladimir Tyshchuk, Rector of the Russian Orthodox Church Metochion in Sofia; clergy of the Sofia Metropolia; and numerous faithful, the Metochion's website reports.

Upon the arrival of the procession at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St Alexander Nevsky, Bishop Gerasimus of Melnik, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod, celebrated the All-Night Vigil together with Archpriest Vladimir Tyshchuk and the clergy of the Sofia Metropolia.

In his address following the service, the Primate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church congratulated all those present in prayer on the 1700th anniversary of the Finding of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord and thanked the clergy and faithful who had taken part in the procession marking this significant anniversary.

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Rector of the Russian Orthodox Church Metochion in Sofia takes part in procession marking the 1700th anniversary of the Finding of the Cross of the Lord

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Patriarch

Department Chairman

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