The Bulgarian Orthodox Church has warned the public about a manipulated video circulating online in which artificial intelligence was allegedly used to falsify the image and voice of Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech.
In an official statement, the Chancellery of the Holy Metropolis of Lovech categorically denied that Metropolitan Gabriel had ever advertised medicines, medical remedies, or any other products or services through the media or social networks.
The statement was issued in response to a video circulating on Facebook in which the Metropolitan’s appearance and voice had reportedly been artificially reproduced and presented in a misleading manner using AI technology.
The Metropolis stressed that Metropolitan Gabriel had never participated in the production of the video and had no connection whatsoever with its content.
It further clarified that the message conveyed in the video was entirely fabricated and had nothing to do with Orthodox spirituality or the teachings of the Church.
The Metropolis called on members of the public not to be misled by what it described as malicious manipulation and urged them to exercise caution when encountering similar material online.
According to the announcement, the competent authorities have already been notified and requested to take the necessary steps for the removal of the fraudulent video.
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria
