Patriarch Danil conducts water blessing at Lake Bŭbreka in Bulgaria's Rila Mountains

Patriarch Danil of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church performed a water‑blessing (водосвет) at Lake Bŭbreka in the Rila Mountains on 5 August, marking the third consecutive year of the ceremony. He reached the lake after a lift ride to the Rila Lakes and a horseback ascent, as motor vehicles are prohibited in the area. The rite is part of the annual pilgrimage “Rilskiyat Chudotvorets” (Rila Miracle), organized by Sofia University’s Faculty of Theology and the Bulgarian Tourist Union, which runs from the St Sophia church in Sofia to the Rila Monastery and culminates with a liturgy on 6 August for the Transfiguration. Dozens of pilgrims and tourists attended, and the Patriarch also presided over services at the chapel of St George in Panichishte and visited the Ruen Monastery later that day.