Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe called for unity, mutual support and peace among nations during a prayer service at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and Saint Adalbert in Esztergom on Monday. The service, which he led together with Father Csaba, episcopal delegate for Esztergom Basilica, was part of the opening of the 21st World Meeting of Bulgarian Media, organized by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). It was followed by a flower-laying ceremony at the memorial plaque dedicated to St John of Rila in the cathedral.
Metropolitan Anthony said Bulgaria and Hungary shared longstanding spiritual and cultural ties that transcended borders and remained a source of mutual respect and friendship. Speaking on Bulgarian-Hungarian Friendship Day, October 19, he stressed that true national greatness lay not in overcoming others but in supporting them, and not in building walls but in building bridges.
Metropolitan Anthony said that while some figures belonged to their time, saints belonged to eternity. St John of Rila, he said, had left behind not armies, palaces or earthly power, but a lasting legacy of holiness, spiritual wisdom and love for God and humanity. He said it was deeply symbolic that St John of Rila was being honoured on Hungarian soil on October 19, Bulgarian-Hungarian Friendship Day.
He also praised Bulgarians living in Hungary for preserving their national identity while enriching the country’s public and cultural life, saying that loyalty to one’s roots and respect for one’s adopted country could go hand in hand. He called on both nations to uphold their shared values and work for a more peaceful and just future for their children.
Metropolitan Anthony prayed for St John of Rila’s protection and called for Bulgaria and Hungary to strengthen their friendship, mutual trust and shared commitment to peace, unity and the well-being of both nations.
BTA is organizing the 21st World Meeting of Bulgarian Media in Budapest and Esztergom, Hungary, on October 19 and 20, with the support of DSK Bank, OTP Group, Aurubis Bulgaria, A1, SOF Connect – the operator of Vasil Levski Sofia Airport, Geotechmin, Postbank and the 13 Centuries Bulgaria National Endowment Fund. This year’s meeting is mottoed “Media and Leaders”. The forum is expected to bring together participants from 25 countries, both in person and online.
Metropolitan Anthony Leads Prayer Service at Esztergom Cathedral THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2026-10-19 14:46:22
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