Maxim (centre), 93, poke of the intense spiritual crisis of the Bulgarian society and the diminishing importance placed on traditional Christian values in his Christmas Mass sermon. Photo by Nadya Kotseva (Sofia Photo Agency)
Bulgaria's Patriarch Maxim celebrated a special Mass on Christmas Day, leading the service in Sofia's Alexander Nevski cathedral.
In his sermon, Maxim spoke of the intense spiritual crisis of the Bulgarian society and the diminishing importance placed on traditional Christian values.
He deplored the absence of religious teaching in Bulgarian schools, which can only have a negative impact on the country, he added.
Maxim, 93, who was unable to lead the service last year, convalescing after a long illness, finished his sermon with a blessing to all Bulgarians, both those in the country and abroad.