13.06.2018
Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov met with Jerusalem’s Patriarch Theophilos III. The meeting was also attended by the Bulgarian delegation, which included Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Dontchev, the Minister of Education and Science Krasimir Valchev, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Anti-Semitism Coordinator Gueorg Gueorgiev, and Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova.
During the meeting, Patriarch Theophilos III awarded Prime Minister Borissov with the Order of the Knight of Jerusalem for his merits to Orthodoxy. Theophilos the Third proclaimed Boyko Borissov Commander of the Order of the Holy Jesus’ Tomb by awarding him a golden cross with a golden crown and a star.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov pointed out to his host Theophilos III that the capital of Bulgaria - Sofia, is an example of ethnic tolerance. "Within one square kilometer we have an Orthodox temple, a mosque, a synagogue, and a Catholic church," the Prime Minister explained. He added that the government has helped to build or renovate hundreds of churches in Bulgaria and abroad.
According to Boyko Borissov, the Balkans have experienced many cataclysms in their history, so today all countries in the region can take no other path but peace. The Prime Minister thanked the Patriarch of Jerusalem for the opportunity for him and the Bulgarian delegation to visit this sacred and eternal place. Boyko Borissov assured Theophilos the Third that Bulgaria fully supports the Patriarchate in Jerusalem in its mission of bringing peace and understanding to the world.
It is a great honor for us to have you here in Jerusalem. We see you as an ambassador of peace. With these words, the Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos the Third addressed the Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. Theophilos III added that the Patriarchate in Israel values highly and is proud of the good relations between Prime Minister Borissov, Bulgaria and the Israeli people. "People today need peace. Thank you for contributing to good bilateral relations between our countries and for having embraced the mission of promoting peace,” the Patriarch of Jerusalem told Boyko Borissov.
In a conversation with Prime Minister Borissov, Theophilos the Third pointed out that Jerusalem is a blessed place. A city that is recognized as sacred by all nations and religions. He explained that the Patriarchate has accepted as its mission to popularize the idea that education and mutual respect are key to live together in peace.” Although we face a number of challenges, we will continue to bring peace and harmony," Patriarch Theophilos the Third was categorical.
