The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church–Bulgarian Patriarchate has strongly distanced itself from and condemned public statements made by Archimandrite Nikanor Mishkov, a cleric of the Sofia Diocese who is currently under a temporary canonical suspension from priestly ministry.
In an official statement, the Holy Synod described Archimandrite Nikanor’s allegations against the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and the institution and person of the Bulgarian Patriarch as defamatory.
The Synod said that the cleric’s repeated insulting and offensive statements were unacceptable and were causing scandal and confusion among the faithful.
The members of the Holy Synod also rejected what they described as attempts to instrumentalize the Church for political purposes. They stressed that they would not accept the Church being used to advance political objectives, nor Archimandrite Nikanor portraying himself as a victim of political persecution.
Particular emphasis was placed on preserving the unity of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The Synod warned that any attempt to undermine that unity or incite schism was unacceptable and subject to strict condemnation under the Statute of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and the sacred canons.
At the same time, the hierarchs stressed that the Church prayed for repentance, reconciliation and the unity of all its members within the one Body of Christ.
Against the backdrop of the ongoing controversy, the Holy Synod called on clergy and Orthodox faithful not to succumb to provocations that could foster hostility and division.
With the Dormition Fast approaching, the Synod encouraged the faithful to exercise spiritual vigilance and intensify their prayers to God and the Mother of God for mercy and divine assistance.
The hierarchs also called for prayers for the Bulgarian people and for a world burdened by conflicts, wars and suffering, asking for peace, repentance and salvation.
Concluding its statement, the Holy Synod prayed that Christ would not allow any member of His flock to be led astray, but that those who had departed from the proper path might find their way to repentance.
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria
