A solemn enthronement of the new abbot – hieromonk Gabriel took place in the Zograf Monastery in Mount Athos. The new abbot was inaugurated with a solemn service in the cathedral church of the monastery. As a sign of recognition and support, the Bulgarian delegation presented Father Gabriel with an archimandrite's staff – a symbol of spiritual dignity, continuity and pastoral responsibility.
„It was an honor for the Bulgarian state delegation to congratulate and witness the enthronement of the Bulgarian abbot of the Bulgarian Holy Monastery of Zograf. A historical event of great importance, given the fact that the Zograf Monastery is one of the symbols of Bulgarian spirituality, said Minister of Justice Georgi Georgiev, who is leading the Bulgarian state delegation attending the enthronement. Georgiev added that the presence of representatives of the Bulgarian government is a clear sign of the long-term and irrevocable commitment of the Bulgarian state to the Zograf Monastery. “We are also extremely grateful for the high honor that was shown by the Greek state with the respect of the holiday today“, Georgiev also noted. He also highlighted the key role of thousands of Bulgarians who volunteer their time each year to renew and maintain the monastery.
The Bulgarian delegation presented Abbot Gabriel with an archimandrite's staff as a sign of respect for him and the work of the Zograf Monastery.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of all the monasteries of Mount Athos, the spiritual administration of Athos, as well as official guests from Greece and Bulgaria. The Bulgarian state delegation is led by the Minister of Justice Georgi Georgiev, and also includes the Minister of Agriculture and Food Georgi Tahov, the Minister of Economy and Industry Petar Dilov, and the Minister of Youth and Sports Ivan Peshev. The ceremony was also attended by Konstantinos Gyulekas, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Greece, responsible for Thrace and Macedonia. On behalf of Prime Minister Mitsotakis and the entire Greek government, he congratulated Gabriel and stated that Greece will continue to help this holy place.
The ceremony was also attended by many pilgrims who arrived especially for the event - another testimony to the importance of the Zograf holy monastery as a living spiritual bridge between the past and the present, a place of prayer, historical memory and national identity.
During the visit, the Bulgarian ministers also held a meeting with the spiritual leadership of Mount Athos. Abbot Gabriel assured that he would continue the work of his predecessor, Archimandrite Ambrose. He confirmed his readiness for close cooperation with the Bulgarian state, which promised to continue its support for the monastery and the Bulgarian community on Mount Athos.