Bulgarian Archpriest: Church will retain unity with Metropolitan Onufriy

Archbishop of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Cyprian of Stara Zagora

Archbishop of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Cyprian (Kazandzhiev) of Stara Zagora, expressed support for His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Vladyka believes that with such Primate the UOC will be united, apostolic and conciliar.

The Metropolitan also spoke about whether the Bulgarian Orthodox Church is ready to recognize the OCU.

"The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has set up a commission to deal with the" Ukrainian issue", conveys his words Vesti edition. “With God's help, the dispute will be resolved in the canonical way. I am happy to recall how I was in Ukraine, in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, on the occasion of the 1000th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus. Then I was elected a delegate by the decision of our Holy Synod. I saw the cross procession – people manifested their support for the canonical Orthodox Church. I really hope that the issue will be resolved along the canonical path. I was impressed by the word and prayer of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy – he is a man of profound prayers and spiritual deeds. I am sure that with such a Primate the Church will be united, apostolic and conciliar.”

Metropolitan Cyprian said that “Bulgaria has always been a country that loves Orthodoxy and is friendly to Orthodox nations. We are ready to reach out to those in need. Love between people, moreover, Orthodox nations, will strengthen our faith. And we believe that the UOC will remain integral – with God's mercy and blessing.”

As reported by the UOJ, the chairman of the ecclesiastical commission in Ukraine, Metropolitan Cyprian of Stara Zagora, blankly denied the information from the Ukrainian media that the BOC supported the autocephaly of the OCU.

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