Bulgarian authorities сheck legality of ROC’s ownership of church in Sofia
St. Nicholas’s Church of the ROC in Sofia. Photo: Tournavigator
The Bulgarian Prosecutor's Office will examine the title deeds for ownership rights to the Russian Orthodox Church's property (St. Nicholas Church) in Sofia, which is owned by the Russian Embassy, reports TASS.
"We will review the documents on which the title deed for ownership was issued. We will also request documents regarding the canons of our church concerning the conduct of church services in this church and the cessation of access to it for believers, especially since Saint Seraphim (Sobolev) is buried there, making the church a public and accessible building," announced Prosecutor Iliana Kirilova during a briefing on September 27, 2023.
Representatives of the Prosecutor's Office stated that the investigation is based on signals from members of the country's parliament and one of the civic associations. TASS reports that the official owner of the church is the Russian Embassy in Bulgaria, which has the corresponding title deed.
As earlier reported, the Bulgarian Patriarch appointed priests to the church, whose clergy were expelled from the country.
Read also
Rada speaker discusses legalization of same-sex marriage in Rivne region
Ruslan Stefanchuk suggested that sponsors of separate bills to legalize same-sex marriage personally make their case to Ukrainians.
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.