In the overcrowded "St. Panteleimon" temple in Samokov, His Eminence Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel served a solemn holy liturgy on the occasion of the temple's feast day. Among the official guests were Mayor Angel Dzhorgow, Deputy Mayor Stanimira Davidova, and the archpriest Father Mihail Kolev.
Among those present were also the Member of Parliament Valentin Milushev, as well as the former Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, accompanied by his grandson Simeon Hasan. The temple proved too narrow to accommodate all those wishing to participate in the service.
The "St. Panteleimon" Church is the first temple erected in Samokov in the last 160 years. Its official opening was four years ago, with funds for construction raised through donations from many Samokov residents.
On July 27, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Panteleimon - a physician from Nicomedia, known for his exceptional mercy. He was an educated doctor who helped all those suffering, regardless of their social status, preaching Christ's love.
The saint's life ended tragically during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian in 303. Accused because of his Christian faith, he was subjected to cruel tortures, which became the reason for his canonization as one of the most revered saints in Orthodoxy.