Bishop Visarion of Smolyan has officially withdrawn his candidacy for Metropolitan of Vidin, citing health concerns that would prevent him from fulfilling his duties effectively.
In a letter addressed to Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria and the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Bishop Visarion expressed gratitude for being included among the worthy candidates for the upcoming election but emphasized that his health condition would not allow him to serve the diocese to the best of his ability.
“It is my duty to inform Your Holiness and Your Eminences that I have an illness that would not allow me to effectively and fully carry out the responsibilities of a diocesan metropolitan,” Bishop Visarion wrote. “For this reason, I kindly ask that my name not be included among the eligible candidates in the election list and that my candidacy not be put to a vote by the diocesan electors on February 2, 2025, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, in the city of Vidin.”
Despite withdrawing from consideration, Bishop Visarion expressed deep appreciation for the trust placed in him by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. “I sincerely thank the venerable Holy Synod of our native Orthodox Church for the honor bestowed upon me,” he stated.
Bishop Visarion made it clear that his decision was motivated by his deep love for the Church and the faithful of the Vidin Diocese. “I make this statement out of love for our Holy Church, the God-saved Diocese of Vidin, its clergy, and its faithful flock, as well as out of respect for the esteemed Holy Synod,” he explained.
He also expressed confidence in the remaining candidates, stating, “I believe that all other eligible bishops on the list have the qualities and capabilities to bear the cross of the Metropolitan of Vidin better than my limited strength would allow.”
Concluding his letter, Bishop Visarion humbly requested the prayers of the Patriarch and the Holy Synod, reaffirming his loyalty to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. “I commend myself to Your First-Hierarchical Prayers and remain your faithful supplicant and humble co-worker in Christ,” he wrote.
The election for the new Metropolitan of Vidin is scheduled to take place on February 2, 2025, with the remaining candidates on the official ballot.
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria
