A new Metropolitan of Sliven elected in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church
The newly elected Metropolitan of Sliven, Arseniy. Photo: bg-patriarshia.bg
The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has elected a new ruling hierarch of the widowed Sliven Eparchy. As reported by the official website of the Bulgarian Patriarchate, the elections took place on May 26, 2024, in the Synodal Chapel of St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Tsar Boris-Mikhail in Sofia.
The Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne of the Bulgarian Church, Metropolitan Grigory of Vratsa, opened the voting, which took place in the altar of the synodal chapel on the holy throne.
"The metropolitans took the voting ballots and an empty envelope, entered the altar, kissed the Holy Gospel and the Holy Cross, and wrote down their choice on the altar throne," the statement said.
A total of 12 ballots were submitted by the attending members of the Holy Synod. 7 votes were cast by the metropolitans for the candidacy of Bishop Arseniy of Znepol. The second candidate, Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, received 5 votes.
Bishop Arseniy was supported by Metropolitans Grigory of Veliko Tarnovo, Ignatius of Pleven, Nicholas of Plovdiv, Antony of Western and Central Europe, Naum of Rousse, Cyprian of Stara Zagora, and Jacob of Dorostol.
As reported by the UOJ, representatives of the Bulgarian Church co-served with "hierarchs" of the OCU in Istanbul. Metropolitans Nicholas of Plovdiv, Cyprian of Stara Zagora, Jacob of Dorostol. Bishops Zion of Velichka and Vissarion of Smolyan also participated in the service.
Read also
EU officials discuss UOC persecution with experts in Brussels
Two expert–level discussions on the state of religious freedom in Ukraine were held in the EU.
WHO urges securing equal access to IVF for same-sex couples
WHO’s new recommendations substantially broaden the concept of infertility and open the door to widespread use of assisted reproduction, including for same-sex couples and transgender individuals.
In Kniazhychi, brotherhood defends their monastery from seizure
Parishioners and the brotherhood of the UOC Transfiguration Monastery in Kniazhychi succeeded in defending their sacred site from the attempts of security forces and raiders.
UOC Primate congratulates Met. Arseniy on 20 years of episcopal ordination
The Primate of the UOC sent greetings to Metropolitan Arseniy on the anniversary of his personal Pentecost.
UGCC urges faithful to be ready to lay down their lives for Ukraine
The UGCC hierarchs have published a letter to the faithful urging them to cleanse the country of Soviet methods of governance, military organization, and economic management.
Condition of Metropolitan Theodosiy shows first signs of recovery
For the first time since his hospitalization, the health indicators of Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy have begun to improve.