Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel begins historic visit to Mount Athos

Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel has commenced his first official visit to Mount Athos since his election and enthronement. The visit, which lasts until October 24, was extended by an invitation from the brotherhood of the Zograf Monastery.

Upon arrival in Karyes, the administrative center of the monastic republic, the Patriarch was received by representatives of the Holy Community, including the Protistis, and the Bulgarian Consul General in Thessaloniki, Anton Markov. The delegation included several high-ranking clergy from the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

A central component of the visit is the commemoration of the 26 Zograf Martyrs. Patriarch Daniel is scheduled to lead an all-night vigil in memory of the monks and laypeople who died in the 13th century for refusing to renounce their faith. The itinerary also includes visits to the Zograf Monastery, where he will meet with Abbot Archimandrite Gavriil, and various other Orthodox monasteries on the peninsula.