The Bulgarian Patriarchate has blessed students and teachers for the start of the new school year. Patriarch Daniil sent the message on the church feast of the Protection of the Virgin, offering a father's blessing and the prayers of the Orthodox Church to people working and studying in higher education and science.
The patriarch and metropolitan of Sofia wished them health, strength and inspiration so their work in education and science bears fruit, along with joy and satisfaction in what they teach and learn.
"Knowledge is not and should not be an end in itself, but a gift given to man," the patriarch wrote. By exploring the secrets of the world and the universe, he added, people show love and care for others — and in doing so fulfil the purpose they were created for.
The Church preaches Christ the Savior, Patriarch Daniil said, and so by its nature it carries the light of knowledge and stands behind education. In his message he cites two Bible passages: "a light for revelation to the nations" (Luke 2:32) and "the true light that gives light to everyone" (John 1:9).
The patriarch traced the start of Bulgaria's Christian history back to the work of Saints Cyril and Methodius, saying it lived on through their disciples and through everyone today who spreads the light of knowledge. He called on students and teachers to be worthy heirs of that tradition, to bear fruit, and to seek out "what is high and truly worth having."
The patriarch also asked the Mother of God, as intercessor for mankind, to pray to her Son for every person, for the country and for society. He ended the message with the words: "Good luck! May the new school year be successful and blessed."