With complete unanimity, the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church – Bulgarian Patriarchate (BPC-BP) today elected Bishop Pahomiy of Branitsa as the new Metropolitan of Vidin.
The election of the new Metropolitan of Vidin began today, in accordance with the decision of the Holy Synod, with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, officiated by Archimandrite Ioan, protosyncellus of the Holy Metropolis of Sofia, and Protodeacon Ivan Petkov.
Following the conclusion of the Liturgy, Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria, addressed the hierarchs of the Holy Synod, saying:
“Let us, with fervent prayer, invoke the assistance of the Holy Spirit, and with a pure and good episcopal conscience, fulfill our archpastoral duty and elect a canonically rightful Metropolitan for the episcopal throne of Vidin.”
The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church conducted the election for the new Metropolitan of Vidin, with hierarchs casting their votes in the Synodal Chapel.
Following the ballot count, Patriarch Daniil officially proclaimed Bishop Pahomiy of Branitsa as the canonically elected Metropolitan of Vidin. The announcement was followed by the traditional chanting of Axios! (Many Years).
Subsequently, in the reception hall of the Holy Synod, the Patriarch addressed the newly elected Metropolitan, stating:
“Take courage, Your Eminence! Carry out with zeal and dedication the work to which God has called you, and He will always support and strengthen you with His divine grace—for the good and prosperity of both the diocese entrusted to you and our entire Holy Orthodox Church!”
The newly elected Metropolitan Pahomiy then delivered his response, expressing his deep gratitude to Patriarch Daniil and the Holy Synod for the trust placed in him.
He declared his readiness to serve with zeal in the boundaries of the Diocese of Vidin, vowing to spare no effort in his work for the salvation of souls.
Source: Bulgarian Patriarchate
