Metropolitan Arseniy of Sliven expressed strong support for Ukrainian Orthodox clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), under Metropolitan Onufriy, who are serving within his diocese, rejecting criticism and concerns raised in a series of open letters regarding their presence in local parishes.
In a statement issued following a meeting of the Diocesan Council on June 15, 2026, Metropolitan Arseniy of Sliven expressed his “deep surprise, sorrow, and disappointment” at attempts to challenge the right of “canonical Ukrainian clergy to serve in the churches of the Diocese” with the blessing of the local bishop and in accordance with established ecclesiastical procedures.
The statement specifically addressed the ministry of Ukrainian priests serving at St. Athanasius the Great Church in Sveti Vlas and St. John of Rila Church in Kosharitsa. The diocese emphasized that these clergy are serving canonically, under the blessing of Metropolitan Onufriy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, and with the approval of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
Metropolitan Arseniy stressed that the Church’s approach toward Ukrainian refugees is guided solely by the Gospel’s call to mercy, compassion, and love for one’s neighbor. He noted that many refugees have fled war, destruction, and personal tragedy, and therefore require spiritual support and pastoral care.
“The Church is not an institution for national selection of suffering,” the statement declared. “The Church is a home for the wounded, a refuge for the persecuted, and a place where the grieving should be embraced rather than questioned about where they come from or what language they speak.”
The diocese also rejected claims that Ukrainian-language services are replacing established liturgical practices. According to the statement, services conducted by Ukrainian clergy follow the same Church Slavonic liturgical tradition used throughout the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and are carried out in full accordance with canonical regulations.
Metropolitan Arseniy reaffirmed that the Church remains committed to welcoming those in need, regardless of nationality, in accordance with the teachings of Christ.
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria
