The new Metropolitan of Vidin Pachomius was solemnly welcomed in Vidin - the capital of the diocese, BTA reported. The procession to the central square of "Bdintsi" was attended by the Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil and metropolitans of the Holy Synod, clergymen, monks, representatives of the people, mayors of various spiritual districts, the regional governor of Vidin, heads of institutions and hundreds of laypeople.
With sincere excitement, trepidation, joy and gratitude, from this moment on I connect my life with the life of the Vidin diocese, said Metropolitan Pachomius. As the archpastor of my God-given diocese, I am obliged to devote all my strength, labors and efforts to the confirmation in the Christian faith and Orthodox piety of the clergy and the people. I am obliged to work for the unity of our diocesan church, for peace and goodwill among people. I will do my best so that in my metropolitan the young find understanding and encouragement, the elderly - consolation and support, the weak - help, the lonely - protection, the wavering - direction. And this, of course, is possible only through the life-giving grace of the Son of God Jesus Christ and under the guidance of his pure mother and his holy saints, added Metropolitan Pachomius.
I am aware of the responsibility and not without fear accept this duty. I see support and inspiration in my metropolitan ministry in the glorious past of the diocese, in the heroism and virtues of the people of these lands, in the example of the worthy Vidin metropolitans who occupied the throne before me, he said. Coming to the capital city today, accepting congratulations and good wishes from the Christ-loving people of the Vidin diocese, I realized what wonderful souls I will have around me and what people devoted to God I will be able to count on. I wholeheartedly invite state and public institutions, as well as every resident of the diocese, to continue together the work of creation - material and spiritual - begun by our great ancestors. Together let us erect a building, harmoniously assembled, growing into a temple holy in the Lord, said the new metropolitan.
We believe that under your leadership the Vidin Diocese will continue to establish itself as a center of faith, morality and spiritual enlightenment - with these words addressed the mayor of the Vidin municipality, Dr. Tsvetan Tsenkov. On this festive day for our diocese and our holy church, we welcome our new spiritual leader. We welcome him with faith, hope and love. We welcome him also with gratitude for the canonical choice, which predetermined his further path in this beautiful part of our dear homeland Bulgaria, said the mayor. And he added that tomorrow is also a significant day, when the first Holy Liturgy of Metropolitan Pachomius as head of the diocese will take place, because it was on February 16, 153 years ago, that Exarch Antim I was elected Metropolitan of Vidin. The spiritual legacy of the previous hierarchs of the Vidin Metropolitan See is responsible and binding, but also gracious. Your election with complete unanimity by the Holy Synod is a clear sign of the high trust and recognition that you have earned with your humility, spiritual elevation and dedication to our Holy Orthodox Church, noted Dr. Tsenkov.
I wish you good health, longevity, much strength and blessed days of your hierarchal ministry, so that you may lead your flock in wisdom, zeal and devotion, and continue to strengthen the spiritual life and Christian values of our region. May, by God's will and with God's help, we move forward together in the name of the prosperity and well-being of our city, people and country, noted Mayor Dr. Tsenkov.
Our prayers and hopes as laypeople are with you, Metropolitan Pachomius. We hope that you will be a worthy successor to the work of your predecessors, said the People's Representative Rositsa Kirova. Be an advocate of the faith, but also a caring pastor of the spiritual and historical heritage, preserved to this day in these ancient lands. May your leadership of the Vidin Diocese be a strong defense for the vulnerable, for those seeking - protection and enlightenment. Be a fair mentor and leader. And may cheerfulness, strength and wisdom accompany you in your ministry, wished Rositsa Kirova.
The liturgical procession headed to the cathedral of the Vidin Diocese, where the enthronement of Metropolitan Pachomius took place and a festive evening service was served.