BOC hierarch who served with OCU does not withdraw as a patriarch candidate
Metropolitan Nicholas of Plovdiv. Photo: podvorie-sofia.bg
Metropolitan Nicholas of Plovdiv did not withdraw his candidacy from the election for the position of the new Patriarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, according to Ivan Zhelev, a senior lecturer and professor of Holy Scripture of the New Testament at the Theological Faculty of Sofia University.
Professor Zhelev stated that Metropolitan Nicholas "did not submit a written withdrawal from participating in the race for the position of the new Patriarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, as he claimed some time ago."
He noted, "We do not know what will happen until three candidates for patriarchs are elected."
Zhelev also mentioned that "people really want" Metropolitan Nicholas to run. "There will be propaganda, and some voters will be motivated" (to vote for Metropolitan Nicholas), the professor forecasted.
Earlier, it was reported that Metropolitan Nicholas withdrew his candidacy from the election for the Patriarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
The UOJ also reported that representatives of the Bulgarian Church also co-served with "hierarchs" of the OCU in Istanbul.
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.