Photo: depositphotos
On Sunday, June 30, in the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, a new head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church was elected. Metropolitan Daniel was appointed patriarch, known for his pro-Russian views, tacit support for Russian intervention in Ukraine, and criticism of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, as reported by local media.
Russian Support and Criticism of Constantinople
Daniel, aged 52, is notable for his pro-Russian stance. In 2022, he issued directives to clergy in his diocese criticizing the trend of sowing hatred towards Russia, which he views as the “sole and unprovoked aggressor,” according to http://surl.li/bbrbbr
Church Conflicts and Potential Consequences
Despite close ties between the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC), Patriarch Kirill did not attend Daniel’s enthronement. Instead, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople and Bulgaria’s leadership were present at the service at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia.
Diplomatic and Internal Challenges
According to observers from the Union of Orthodox Journalists (media close to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church), Daniel’s victory was secured by his clear stance criticizing Constantinople and his commitment to patriotism and limiting secular interference in church affairs.
Source: http://surl.li/xxuyre
