The relics of St. George, the gift of the Vicariate of Rome, arrived in Bulgaria on Sunday 8 October. The relics were received by the Metropolitan of the city of Russe, Neophit. On the previous day a Bulgarian delegation composed of representatives of the Churches and local authorities had returned from Rome, where it had received the relics during an official celebration in the basilica of St. John Lateran. “It is a joy for us, for the Pope and for Cardinal Ruini, Vicar of Rome – said Monsignor Rino Fisichella, Rector of the Pontifical Lateran University, during the celebration – to act as bridges in handing over the relics. May this act of respect for the Orthodox Church in Bulgaria serve to strengthen our brotherly relations and help us to pursue the way of full Christian unity!” “This act of benevolence – said Neophit – is a concrete step towards the hoped-for unity of Christians. Only the name of Christ can unite the European peoples, so that together we may work for the good of united Europe”. The news of the arrival of the relics was widely covered in the Bulgarian media. They will be transferred to the city of Russe, whose patron saint is St. George. This is the second relic that the Orthodox Church has received from Rome, following that of St. Dacius.
