On September 25th, at the invitation of Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and by decision of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Bulgaria, the first peaceful visit of Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem began. The visit will last from September 25 to 30, 2026.
At 17:30, the Bulgarian ecclesiastical delegation was officially received at the Jaffa Gate (David’s Gate) by representatives of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. From there, a procession set out toward the Holy Church of the Resurrection of Christ (the Holy Sepulchre), where Patriarch Daniel was welcomed by Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem.
A service of thanksgiving was held in the Church, during which Patriarch Daniel and the members of the ecclesiastical delegation venerated the Most Holy and Life-Giving Tomb of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Following the festive service, a litanic procession took place to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, where the first official meeting between the Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Patriarch of Bulgaria was held, and the members of the Bulgarian ecclesiastical delegation were presented.
Similar peaceful visits had previously been made by Patriarchs Kyrill and Maxim of Bulgaria, during the 1960s and 1970s respectively.
According to the official program, in the coming days Patriarch Daniel and the ecclesiastical delegation will visit various holy sites associated with the life, Passion, and Resurrection of the Savior.
On Sunday, a festive Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the Holy Sepulchre, during which the two Primates will con-celebrate together.
