In an interview with the Bulgarian National Television (BNT) marking the first anniversary of his enthronement as Patriarch of Bulgaria, Patriarch Daniel affirmed that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church remains in communion with all canonical Orthodox churches and has not broken ties with any of them.
Addressing the ongoing ecclesiastical dispute in Ukraine, Patriarch Daniel stated that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, along with ten other local Orthodox churches, does not recognize the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) under Metropolitan Epifaniy, which was granted the Autocephaly by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He highlighted troubling developments, noting that churches transferred to the OCU remain empty, and criticized inappropriate activities, such as “culinary shows,” being held in the historic Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
“When there is violence, when churches are seized, when priests are killed — these cannot be ignored,” the Patriarch emphasized.
Patriarch Daniel acknowledged the existing division within the Orthodox world, which is causing concern among the faithful, and clarified Bulgaria’s position: the Bulgarian Church maintains full communion with all local Orthodox churches and continues to engage in joint services and events with their representatives.
He also mentioned changes in Mount Athos monasteries’ reception of clergy from the OCU, initially accepted, but now, as he says, are refused due to “awareness of the violence and violations associated with the OCU’s actions.”
The Patriarch expressed hope that by recognizing “the realities and continuing dialogue, the problem of division will gradually be resolved.”
