The holy relics of the Thessaloniki brothers Methodius and Cyril were solemnly welcomed in the Cathedral of St. Nedelya, in Sofia. In honor of the memorable moment, His Eminence Bishop Polycarp of Belogradchik, Vicar of the Patriarch, served a mass at the shrines in the presence of President Rumen Radev, Vice President Iliana Iotova, Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova, senior clerics and guests.

Bishop Polycarp read a greeting from His Holiness the Metropolitan of Sofia and Bulgarian Patriarch Neofit to the dignitaries for this memorable historical event, related to the national pilgrimage to the Holy relics of the two Apostolic Brothers. The remains will be exposed in the temple until noon on May 25.

• Relics of Saints Cyril and Methodius are already in Bulgaria
• A new monument to Sts. Cyril and Methodius near the town of Sozopol
• Relics of Saints Cyril and Methodius to be welcomed in Sofia on May 23

The Holy Relics are leaving Greece for the first time since their return to Mount Athos. The first Orthodox and Slavic country to receive them is Bulgaria, which is an important act of recognition of this country as the homeland of the Slavic alphabet and culture.

In the words of President Rumen Radev, the arrival of the holy remains on the eve of the most sacred Bulgarian holiday - May 24, underlines the importance of Bulgaria to the work of the brothers Cyril and Methodius and the country's inseparable link with their holy mission.