Sofia, November 12 (BTA/GNA) – The Wisdom of God Orthodox art festival opened in the Hagia Sophia church in Sofia on Monday. In his opening speech, Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil said that the festival played a role in the spiritual awakening of the people.

It is the third of the festival.

Topics on his agenda include the necessity and publication of spiritual literature. “This situation becomes even more meaningful today, where the majority of young people grow up in a culture of virtual communication and where information and emotions are consumed in a short time.

And the soul gets used to such communication: there is no need to create such a culture of communication, not with real people, without having to pay attention, without having to think, with spirituality, with the thoughts of others,” said Patrik. In his words, “The most important and essential part of human virtue “to communicate with others, to establish lasting relationships and to provide tranquility and peace in communication with other people.”

He argued that reading is one of the things that contribute to reading and contemplation, which forms a person’s character.

Another topic on the agenda is Orthodox icons and religious paintings. Patriarch Daniil emphasized the importance of educating people to appreciate religious art and aesthetics, while also appreciating the lives of the saints and holding them as a model to follow.

Festival attendees will also discuss work with children and theological education.

On the opening day, the Hagia Sophia choir under the direction of Maria Ruseva performed.

The festival will include performances by Orthodox choirs, discussions on Christian art and book presentations. During the event, visitors will be able to view and purchase books from Orthodox publishers at the traditional book fair.

Hagia Sophia is an early Christian Orthodox church. According to historians, the church is of great scientific importance as one of the oldest architectural works of the Balkan Peninsula. Today, it is among the most important architectural values ​​of worldwide importance, preserved from the early Christian development of Southeastern Europe.

Bulgarian writer Ivan Vazov was buried in the church compound.

GNA/BTA