The recent court decision in Bulgaria, allowing the possibility of registering a parallel “Orthodox Church,” has sparked controversy and division within the country. The Bulgarian Patriarchate responded firmly, expressing deep concerns about the implications for the unity of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and its role in society. The decision raised fears of fragmentation within the Church and its faithful, leading to heightened discussions among state and ecclesiastical leaders.
In the wake of these developments, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria and Metropolitans Anthony of Western and Central Europe, Ioan of Varna and Veliki Preslav, Seraphim of Nevrokop, Cyprian of Stara Zagora, and Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, Secretary General of the Holy Synod, met on January 3, 2024, with President Rumen Radev. Also participating in the meeting was Associate Professor Dr. Maria Kyoseva, legal advisor to the Holy Synod.
Patriarch Daniel informed President Radev about the implications of the final court decision regarding the possibility of registering a parallel “Orthodox Church” and the position of the Holy Synod on the matter.
“The Bulgarian Orthodox Church – Bulgarian Patriarchate is the institutional representative of the Eastern Orthodox faith in the Republic of Bulgaria, with an undeniable historical contribution and a significant role in our national identity,” stated President Rumen Radev.
During the discussion, he emphasized that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church is one and indivisible, having been and continuing to be a spiritual pillar throughout the twists and turns of Bulgaria’s centuries-old history. “Therefore, any risks to it should be viewed as threats to our national unity and sovereignty,” the president underscored.
President Radev noted that despite sharp political divisions, the state, through its institutions, must ensure conditions for the unity of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. He also highlighted the commitment of the presidential institution to contribute toward achieving this nationally significant goal.
“We are grateful that, after a period of atheist rule, the Bulgarian state has recognized the historical role of our Orthodox Church in the upbringing and preservation of our people, its contribution to statehood, and its current significance for national life, and has enshrined this understanding in legislation,” said Patriarch Daniel.
He added that the Church has contributed throughout the history of our people, guiding them on the path of truth, unity in truth, and the timeless virtues of Christ, which have significantly shaped our national identity.
“This understanding of the unity of the Orthodox Church came to the legislator and state institutions after considerable difficulties in overcoming the sorrowful schism, which disturbed not only the faithful but also had a negative impact, creating and fueling divisions within society and the state as a whole.
Wisdom requires us to learn from the trials we have overcome. We hope that the state, through its institutions, will show consistency in preserving and applying the beneficial achievements of its cooperation with the Bulgarian Orthodox Church – Bulgarian Patriarchate, in all areas of national life,” added Patriarch Daniel.
Photos and video: Press Center of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria
