A chapel dedicated to St. Ivan Rilski is planned near the Seven Rila Lakes, an idea discussed for at least 40 years, Archpriest Georgi Palikarski of Dupnitsa told BNR. Procedures are underway with the Ministry of Environment and the Rila National Park Directorate to obtain a permit.
The future chapel, described as a small shelter-type structure, would be located next to the new Rila National Park Information Center and the mountain rescue station.
Eco-activists oppose the project.
According to Fr. Palikarski, the Holy Synod will likely bless the initiative, especially after Patriarch Daniil visited the lakes last week for the second time, blessing the waters of Lake Bubreka. The Patriarch commented on the visible presence of followers of the White Brotherhood, stressing that such practices are non-canonical and that St. Ivan Rilski, not Peter Deunov, is the patron and spiritual protector of Rila.
