The Church of Greece has publicized the decision of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Patriarchate to defrock Presbyter Stanimir Georgiev Yanakiev due to canonical violations. As a result, he has been returned to the ranks of the laity.
This announcement was communicated to the Archdiocese of Athens and the Metropolises of the Church of Greece for their information and further action.
Below is the official circular issued by the Church of Greece:
By this document, and following the letter No. 745/18.11.2024 from Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria, we inform you that Presbyter Silvestros (Stanimir) Georgiev Yanakiev, a cleric of the Bulgarian Patriarchate, has been defrocked for canonical violations by the decision of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Patriarchate. He has been returned to the ranks of the laity.
We hereby communicate this canonical decision of the Bulgarian Patriarchate to you for your information and any necessary actions.
By the mandate and authority of the Holy Synod,
The Chief Secretary
Archimandrite Ioannis Karamouzis
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
