Today (April 8th), Lazarus Saturday, the day before Christ entered Jerusalem, He strengthened the Apostles' faith in His Divinity by raising from the dead Lazarus, who had been lying in the tomb for four days. This is the occasion that propels all the events of the days of the following week, including the Crucifixion and the Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
On this day, in Rila Holy Monastery, according to the decision of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church - Bulgarian Patriarchate, the long-year standing brother and hierodeacon of the Holy Monastery - Father Nectarios (Nikolov), was ordained to the rank of hieromonk.
The spiritual path of Fr. Nectarios began on December 20, 2007, on the feast of St. Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-bearer, Bishop of Antioch, when he was ordained a monk in Rila Holy Monastery by His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Nevrokop - at the threshold of the Holy Table and in front of the relics of our Holy Father, the heavenly protector of the Bulgarian people and of the Holy Monastery - St. John of Rila the Wonderworker.
The Divine Liturgy was primated by His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim of Nevrokop, in concelebration with the Abbot of the Holy Monastery - Bishop Evlogios of Adrianople, as well as Archimandrite Basil - Protosingel of the Sofia Holy Metropolis, and clergy from the country. Archimandrite Anthony from the Monastery of St. Elijah the Prophet, Lebanon also participated in the Divine Liturgy.
Official guest of the event was Nikolay Shushkov - Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works.
The Divine Liturgy was embellished by the two-chanting of psalters led by Dr. Andrey Kasabov and Dimitar Zlatinov.
In the sermon of the hierarchs, the importance and high responsibility of the priesthood was emphasized, as well as its befitting assumption by the newly ordained hieromonk Nectarios.
In his address, Bishop Evlogios of Adrianople, who is the spiritual elder of hieromonk Nectarios, said:
"During all these years, both during the divine service and the rest of the time, Fr. Nectarios displayed sincere humility, obedience and strong faith in God. He overcame many hardships during all these years, but God, through the intercession of St. John of Rila the Wonderworker, strengthened him and he became more and more perfected in the spiritual life and especially in the divine service.
I can firmly state that he is one of the best deacons in the Bulgarian Church, especially monastic, and many could learn from his knowledge, he could be a model for a hierodeacon.
I believe that he will continue to mention us in his prayers, and not only us, but many Christians from all over the country who regularly send the names of their relatives whom he diligently mentions, and whenever there are any difficulties, we will always be by his side ready to support him.
Just because someone has not previously assumed a higher rank or dignity or hasn't reached a higher step in the hierarchy does not mean that they are lower in the eyes of God. Only God knows how each of us here present, and outside the Holy Monastery, stands before God. And I think that is the most important thing. Let us not think of higher ranks, dignities, positions in society, in the place where we work, live and study. The important thing is how God looks at us, the important thing is to be His children and He, as a loving Father, will support and help us.
In these days of trials, both for Bulgaria and for the whole world, it is very important to have understanding, unity, peace among people, but first of all in our souls and hearts.
I wish Fr. Nectarios many years of service before the Holy Table and to remember his mentors. I will again mention Fr. Nathanael, who many times helped us and the Holy Monastery with his prayers and good, helpful advice. He left behind a multitude of worthy spiritual children.
Thank you to all the brothers who participated in the Divine Liturgy, to all the nuns, sisters and brothers, venerable pilgrims of the Holy Monastery, relatives of Fr. Nectarios. Remember him in your prayers, as he will remember you.
May the coming days of the Passion Week be filled with humility, repentance and faith in Christ's Resurrection. Happy feast and for many blessed years! Amen!"
The newly ordained Hieromonk Nectarios received wishes for spiritual strength and gracious service in Christ's field.
Photographer: Dobrin Kashavelov/Rila Holy Monastery
