At the midnight Mass in the Patriarchate of St Alexander Nevsky, the Vicar of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan Gregory of Vratsa, proclaimed the Resurrection of Christ and blessed the Bulgarian people. 

"Christ is risen! We celebrate this solemnity with a special spiritual feeling, remembering the sacrificial act of the Saviour of the world - His crucifixion and His glorious resurrection. Easter is the heart and essence of Christianity. It is the victory given to us by God," he told the faithful, who on Easter night took home the flame of the Paschal fire. 

Due to the tense situation in Israel, the Holy Synod decided not to travel to Jerusalem for the Paschal fire this year, but to use last year's fire, which had been preserved in many places around the country. 

In his Easter message, Metropolitan Gregory noted that on these holy days Christians are called to share their joy with family, friends and especially with brothers and sisters in need, by showing active love and mercy. "Today we pray to the Risen Lord and Saviour that the lost bonds between nations may be restored and that brotherly love, peace in the world and good will among men may reign. Now, more than ever, we must be peacemakers and show charity in action," he added. 

The faithful filled the cathedral and the surrounding square to attend the service. Interim Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev and ministers were also present, and they were the first to light their candles with the Easter flame given to them by Metropolitan Gregory.