Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil has called on believers to reflect on the deeper spiritual meaning of Palm Sunday, warning against reducing faith to earthly expectations or political hopes.

Delivering his sermon at the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, the head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church reminded worshippers that the biblical account of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem was marked by public celebration and anticipation of liberation. However, he noted that many at the time misunderstood the nature of Christ’s mission.

“Jesus Christ came to reign, but the Kingdom of God is within us,” Daniil said, emphasizing that Christ’s message is not about establishing an earthly order, but about the inner transformation of the human soul.

He highlighted the shifting expectations of the crowd, noting that those who welcomed Christ with cries of “Hosanna” would soon turn against Him. According to the patriarch, this change reflects a deeper issue that remains relevant today: people often seek worldly power and solutions rather than spiritual renewal.

Daniil cautioned against replacing faith with the desire for a “strong and prosperous earthly kingdom,” particularly when individuals continue to harbor anger, envy, and pride. “What is the benefit of such a kingdom if hearts remain far from God?” he asked.

The patriarch’s message focused on preparation for Easter, urging the faithful to go beyond symbolic gestures such as palm branches and instead offer genuine faith and readiness for inner change.

“Let us bring to the Savior our faith, so that He may reign in our hearts,” Daniil said, calling on believers to embrace spiritual renewal as they approach the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.