The festive service for the consecration of the new Bulgarian Orthodox church in London is led by His Holiness Daniil, Patriarch of Bulgaria, who also officiated at the Ressurection Vespers on Saturday. Hundreds of lay people-official guests and representatives of the Bulgarian state and community from various parts of the United Kingdom- filled the church and the surrounding area, reports our correspondent Darina Grigorova.

Footage from the festive Vespers at the new Bulgarian church in London on February 22, 2025:

Today, on Meatfare Sunday, the consecration of the newly-built Bulgarian Orthodox church involves Patriarch Daniil, Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe, Vidin Metropolitan Pahomiy, Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, priest Dobromir Dimitrov, head of the new Bulgarian church in London, and priests from the Orthodox Diocese of Western and Central Europe. The event also includes Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, representatives of all local Orthodox churches in the UK, representatives from the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches, the Bulgarian royal family, the Mayor of Westminster, and others.

Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe and Patriarch Daniil

The festive service begins at 10:00 am local time. The church's address is 26 Jay Mews SW7 2 EP. Bulgarians in the United Kingdom regard the opening of this new Bulgarian Orthodox church as the most significant event in the past 35 years.

The new Bulgarian church from the inside

• The dream of three generations of Bulgarians in London to have their own Orthodox church comes true