First Bulgarian Church in Britain: A Celebration of Community!

First Bulgarian Church in Britain: A Celebration of Community!

London/Zurich, February 28, 2025 - A significant event for the Bulgarian Orthodox community: Patriarch Daniil inaugurated the first Bulgarian church in the United Kingdom during his first official visit abroad since his election at the end of June 2024. The church dedicated to “St. Ivan Rislki” is located on the grounds of the Bulgarian Embassy in London. At a solemn service, the patriarch explained that the church should become a center for the community of believers where they can come together and celebrate the sacraments. “The new church will be a place of unity and harmony for all Bulgarians living in England,” said Daniil, while numerous representatives of other Orthodox churches were present, such as Kathpress reported.

Murder of priest Daniil Syssoyev illuminates the value of the mission

In parallel with the celebrations in London, Holy Patriarch Cyril of Moscow calls on the faithful to reflect on the meaning of missionary work. On the occasion of the murder of the well-known priest and missionary Daniil Syssoyev, who was shot dead in Moscow on November 19, Kirill spoke at a memorial service about the tragic loss and the importance of God's justice. “When a person dies for the justice of God, it has a great impact on those who disobey,” he explained. Cyril stressed that history shows how often the blood of martyrs has been shed and that Sysoyev's sacrifice should be seen as an important seed of faith. “His death will cause all believers to reflect on their service to God,” Cyril said in a moving statement according to bogoslov.ru.

The inauguration of the church and the murder of Priest Sysoyev mark two crucial, if different, moments in the Bulgarian Orthodox community that reflect contemporary challenges and opportunities.