Patriarch Daniil led solemn Easter services at the main cathedral of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in Sofia, delivering a pastoral message describing the Resurrection of Christ as the “greatest joy and hope of Christians.”

The festive liturgy took place at the cathedral during the night of Easter, where Patriarch Daniil proclaimed the Resurrection and read the Gospel account of the Myrrh-bearing Women who discovered the empty tomb of Christ. Hundreds of worshippers attended the service, alongside representatives of state authorities and public figures, including Vice President Iliyana Yotova.

In his Easter homily, the Patriarch said the Resurrection is the victory of life over death and a response to the fears and challenges of the modern world. He described it as “joy that conquers sorrow, hope that dispels despair, grace that overcomes sin, healing for every illness, and perfect love that casts out fear.”

“Christ is the Truth that exposes every falsehood. Christ is the Way leading to the Father’s house. Christ is Life that defeats sin and death,” he said.

Patriarch Daniil also called on believers to maintain unity, practice forgiveness, and follow the teachings of the Gospel, stressing that Christian life should be expressed not only in prayer but also in acts of mercy and mutual support.

Following the service, worshippers participated in Holy Communion, after which the traditional Easter greeting echoed through the cathedral: “Christ is Risen — Truly He is Risen!”