A HEART-WARMING festival of religions was recently held in
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, when tents were erected in the
square beside the central mosque, and Orthodox, Roman Catholics,
Armenians, Anglicans, Protestants, Jews, and Muslims all came
together to display their books and ritual objects and enjoy lively
conversations.
The Anglicans were represented by the former Anglican Chaplain
in Bucharest and Sofia, the Revd Patrick Irwin, who displayed his
robes and communion plate with a selection of service books.
The festival attracted many visitors. The Mayor of Sofia opened
the proceedings, and spoke of the city's tradition of religious
tolerance. There was a musical performance by both Christian and
Muslim choirs, and the churches, the mosque, and the synagogue were
open for visitors. Both the British and the United States
ambassadors were there, and expressed their delight at the
co-operation of the three religions.