Bulgarian Metropolitan of Plovdiv claims that he will not become Patriarch

Metropolitan Nicholas of Plovdiv. Photo: screenshot from BTA video

In Bulgaria, Metropolitan Nicholas of Plovdiv did not answer whether he had submitted a statement refusing to participate in the elections for the head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, which is slated for June 30, reports the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency.

"I will not be the Patriarch. This I can say, but you don't even have an idea who will be the Patriarch," he told journalists during the solemn ceremony of welcoming the new Metropolitan of Sliven, Arseny, in Burgas.

As reported by the UOUJ, Professor Ivan Zhelev revealed that Metropolitan Nicholas of Plovdiv, who concelebrated with the OCU, did not withdraw his candidacy from the elections for the position of Patriarch of the Bulgarian Church.

Read also

Major U.S. hospital network refuses to implement new assisted suicide law

Advocate Health Care said it would not participate in Illinois’ assisted suicide program.

OCU activists call TRC to service of persecuted UOC community in Kremenchuk

After seizing the Holy Trinity Church in Kremenchuk, Dumenko's followers attempted to disrupt the worship service of UOC believers held in the open air.

Bila Tserkva authorities attempting to seize monastery building from UOC

The Bila Tserkva City Council is attempting to reclaim the buildings of the St. Mary Magdalene Convent for communal ownership through the courts.

Egyptian police arrest Christians targeted in Muslim attacks

Copts were released once they withdrew their complaints against their assailants.

Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates Lavra's abbot on name day

Archbishop Stefan noted the zeal of the Lavra's abbot, who shares the sorrows of his flock.

Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church

The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.