Bulgarian Orthodox Church Commemorates Exarch Joseph I

This past Saturday the Bulgarian Orthodox Church commemorated Exarch Joseph (Yovchev) of Sofia, the second head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church after the restoration of its autocephaly in 1872. The Divine Liturgy was led by a patriarchal auxiliary, Bishop Tikhon of Tiveropol, whilst the memorial that followed it was concelebrated by Patriarch Maxim (Minkov) of Sofia and Metropolitans Dometian of Vidin, Neofit of Ruse, Bishop Tikhon, and patriarchal auxiliary Bishop Ioan of Znepole at Exarch Joseph's tomb. More (in Bulgarian) here.

Bulgaria's Turks Call for Second Mosque in Sofia

Representatives of Bulgaria's Turkish minority are calling for the construction of a second mosque in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, to relieve the crowding at the city's downtown mosque and to help discourage future street attacks on Turks forced to pray on the street outside the mosque due to the lack of space. More here.

Sofia Celebrates Sts. Cyril and Methodius

Although on the revised calendar the Bulgarian Orthodox Church joined in national celebrations in Sofia today in honor of Sts. Cyril and Methodius and their literary, cultural, and spiritual legacy amongst the Bulgarian people. Patriarch Maxim (Minkov) of Sofia attended official celebrations at Sofia's monument to the Saints, whilst his auxiliary Bishop Ioan of Znepolska offered a prayer during the ceremonies. More (in Bulgarian) here.

Bulgarian Ultra-Nationalists Attack Sofia Muslims

This past Friday Bulgarian ultra-nationalists attacked Turkish Muslims praying at a mosque in downtown Sofia, beating many of them and burning their prayer rugs. A member of the Bulgarian Parliament involved in the attack was injured during the ensuing fight. More on the attack here. Following the incident several hundred Bulgarians organized a demonstration in Sofia, laying flowers at the mosque in protest of the attack. More here.

Bulgaria Prepares to Celebrate Restoration of Patriarchate

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church is preparing to celebrate the 58th anniversary of the restoration of its patriarchate. Tomorrow's celebratory services in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, will be led by Patriarch Maxim (Minkov) of Sofia and other hierarchs of the Church of Bulgaria. More (in Bulgarian) here.

Sofia Students Visit Mount Athos

Students from a school in Sofia, Bulgaria, have undertaken a pilgrimage to Mount Athos with the blessing and participation of clergy of both the Bulgarian and Russian Orthodox Churches. More (in Bulgarian) here.

Initiatives of Sofia's Jewish Community Leader

The young leader of Sofia's Jewish community, Alexander Oscar, is seeking to raise awareness of anti-Semitism in Bulgaria and also diversify the religious options available to Bulgaria's Jews. More here.