Bulgaria: The hierarch who served with the OCU could become patriarch

Metropolitan Anthony (left) and Metropolitan Nicholas. Photo: glasove.com

Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church stated that Metropolitan Nicholas of Plovdiv has not officially submitted a resignation from the candidacy for the position of Patriarch to the Holy Synod.

In the program "The Day Begins", Metropolitan Anthony explained that on June 20, the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Church will gather to elect three candidates from whom the new Patriarch will be chosen.

"The election of the new Patriarch and his enthronement will take place on June 30, so that he can conduct his first Holy Liturgy on July 1," explained Metropolitan Anthony.

He neither confirmed nor denied whether Metropolitan Nicholas of Plovdiv would participate in the elections for the new head of the Bulgarian Church, noting that Metropolitan Nicholas has not officially withdrawn his candidacy for this position.

Earlier, it was reported that Metropolitan Nicholas had withdrawn his candidacy from the Bulgarian Patriarchal elections and subsequently served with Zoria and Lotysh in Phanar.

Later, it was revealed in Bulgaria who might become the new Patriarch.

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