Today, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria addressed the pressing issue of religious freedom in Ukraine, particularly regarding the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under Metropolitan Onufriy (Patriarchate of Moscow), during an official meeting with Kenneth Merten, the U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria. The meeting, requested by Ambassador Merten, follows Patriarch Daniel’s attendance at a U.S. Embassy reception in July, celebrating American Independence Day.
During the discussions, Patriarch Daniel emphasized the importance of religious freedom and the right to worship, pointing to the “canonical” Ukrainian Orthodox Church led by Metropolitan Onufriy. He expressed grave concerns about the restrictions imposed on the Church, including limitations on religious freedom, worship, and the forcible confiscation of ecclesiastical property. Patriarch Daniel underscored that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which remains “in communion with all local Orthodox churches,” is facing severe persecution due to discriminatory policies by certain actors in Ukraine.
The Bulgarian Patriarch called on democratic forces worldwide, particularly the United States, to recognize these troubling developments and to advocate for the protection of religious freedom, the right to worship, and the inviolability of Church property in Ukraine.
Patriarch Daniel also reflected on the broader historical context, noting that religious peace has always been a prerequisite for political and social stability in Europe. This is not the first time Patriarch Daniel has voiced support for Metropolitan Onufriy; earlier, on the 10th anniversary of Onufriy’s enthronement, he sent a letter acknowledging him as the “canonical Primate of the Sister Church of Ukraine.”
The timing of Patriarch Daniel’s remarks coincides with the Ukrainian Parliament’s recent passage of a bill banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church associated with the Moscow Patriarchate, citing concerns over Kremlin influence. The reactions from both the Moscow Patriarchate and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to this legislative move are still awaited.
