The meeting between Teophilus and the Bulgarian archon lasted extremely long

One and a half hour lasted the meeting between the member of European Parliament from ATAKA, and archon of Bulgarian Orthodox Church Slavi Binev, and the orthodox patriarch of Jerusalem Teophilus III. At the official audience Binev was accompanied by the metropolitan of Stara Zagora Galaktion. It is the first time His Beatitude Teophilus III spares so much of His time for a personal meeting with a politician. During the discussions the patriarch of Jerusalem blessed archon Binev and his family, passing through him his blessing onto all members of Parliament in Brussels. During the meeting both men exchanged presents, whereas Bulgarian member of parliament offered to Theophilus a necklace with a small round golden icon the so called “engolpié” representing God.
“God has put on your shoulders a huge burden and gift, to bear the responsibility to be the guardian of the Holy Orthodox faith in the lands, where our God and Jesus Christ – the Savior of the world. Therefore, in my capacity of archon of Bulgarian Orthodox Church and a member of the European Parliament, chosen by the Bulgarian people who are so deeply true to Christ, I assure You that I will always remain at Your disposal and will put my humble efforts to do all my best in favor of the Holy Patriarchate of Jerusalem. I would like You to know, Your Beatitude, that every time when we think of Jerusalem in Bulgaria, we remember You, because You are the symbol there. To us - orthodox Christians – You are like the temple of Solomon, however from flesh and blood, and we live with the hope for Your blessing”, expressed Binev.

Newspaper "Ataka"