ROC breaks communion with Bulgarian bishops who concelebrated with OCU
Service involving hierarchs of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and representatives of the OCU on May 19, 2024, at the Valukli Monastery in Istanbul. Photo: ec-patr.org
On May 30, 2024, at its meeting, the Holy Synod of the ROC declared the impossibility of concelebrating with the hierarchs of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church who entered into church communion with representatives of the OCU at the Valukli Monastery in Istanbul. This was reported on the website patriarchia.ru.
"The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church expressed deep sorrow that the hierarchs of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Nicholas of Plovdiv, Metropolitan Cyprian of Stara Zagora, Metropolitan Jacob of Dorostol, Bishop Zion of Velichka, and Bishop Visarion of Smolyan, participated in a concelebration with representatives of one of the Ukrainian schismatic groups, causing significant damage to the relationship between the Russian and Bulgarian Orthodox Churches," the Synod's decision (Journal No. 60) stated.
It was noted that the participants of the meeting acknowledged the impossibility of concelebrating with the mentioned hierarchs who entered into church communion with representatives of the OCU.
As reported by the UOJ, the Bulgarian Church is currently between faith and politics: canons vs OCU recognition.
Read also
DESS responds to statements by UOC lawyers
Yelensky’s agency claimed that the UOC’s lawyers are “discrediting” Ukraine’s leadership and spreading “disinformation.”
Lawyers collect statements from faithful to defend Kyiv Metropolia in court
UOC lawyers have prepared a procedure enabling clergy and laypeople to take part in the court proceedings over the DESS lawsuit.
UOC faithful make pilgrimage to Georgia’s holy sites
The pilgrims visited churches and monasteries in Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Kutaisi, and at the foot of Mount Kazbek.
Bulgarian Church Synod condemns suspended cleric's slander against Patriarch
The Holy Synod spoke out against the politicization of religion and the cleric's attempts to portray himself as a "victim."
UOC faithful hold religious procession to monastery in Zakarpattia
Pilgrims from Irshava visited the Dubrivka Monastery and churches in the villages of Bilky and Pryborzhavske.
Turkey begins installing protective covering over Hagia Sophia's dome
A temporary covering will be installed to preserve the structures, mosaics, and ensure workers' safety during the cathedral restoration.