Memorial services were held in the Bulgarian capital on Thursday to commemorate the late head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Neofit, on the second anniversary of his death.

A conciliar Divine Liturgy and memorial service took place at the Cathedral of Saint Nedelya in Sofia, according to the official website of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The service was led by Patriarch Daniil, who was joined by metropolitans and bishops of the Bulgarian Church.

Before the service began, Patriarch Daniil spoke about the spiritual legacy of his predecessor, describing Patriarch Neofit as a church leader distinguished by deep faith and rare humility.

“He was an example of meekness, devotion to God, and concern for the unity of the Church. His ministry remains a worthy example for all of us,” Patriarch Daniil said.

Following the liturgy, worshippers proceeded to the patriarch’s grave beneath the southern colonnade of the cathedral, where a prayer for the departed was offered. Addressing the faithful, Patriarch Daniil said Patriarch Neofit left behind the memory of a shepherd who spoke little but whose words carried great weight. He added that Neofit’s kindness and calm helped preserve peace during difficult periods in the life of the Bulgarian Church.

Metropolitan Arseniy of Sliven also delivered a remembrance address in the cathedral. He noted that Patriarch Neofit served the Bulgarian Church for nearly half a century — first as rector of the theological academy, later as Metropolitan of Ruse, and from 2013 as patriarch. During his tenure, he said, churches and monasteries were actively restored while charitable work and church education expanded.

Patriarch Neofit died on March 13, 2024, at the age of 78. He led the Bulgarian Orthodox Church for more than a decade after being elected patriarch in 2013. Earlier in his career he served as rector of the Sofia Theological Academy and as the first dean of the theology faculty at Sofia University.

Neofit began his clerical education at theological institutions in Sofia and Moscow. He was also widely known for his musical talent: at the academy he taught church singing and served as choir director of the Sofia priests’ choir.