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.