Bulgarian citizens congregated at Sofia’s Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to offer their final respects to Orthodox Christian Patriarch Neophyte, who passed away this week at the age of 78.
Neophyte, recognized as a gentle theologian, assumed leadership of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in 2013, succeeding Patriarch Maxim. Throughout his tenure, he endeavored to restore the reputation of the church, which had been tarnished by associations with businessmen and the communist secret police.
During the memorial service, Neophyte lay in state in an open casket adorned in an elaborate white robe and crown, while clergy members clad in black offered prayers. Hundreds of mourners paid their respects in a solemn procession. Neophyte’s passing followed a prolonged illness.
The funeral proceedings, slated for Saturday, will be overseen by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual head of Eastern Orthodox Churches worldwide, alongside Bulgarian clergy.
Orthodox Christianity holds significant sway in Bulgaria, with approximately 80% of the population identifying as adherents.
The reputation of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church faced scrutiny following revelations in January 2012, when a history commission disclosed that 11 out of 15 bishops had collaborated with the former communist-era secret police.
