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

In Cherkasy, UOC believers celebrate feast day of seized cathedral

Metropolitan Theodosiy led the Divine Liturgy at the Three Saints Cathedral in Cherkasy.

OCU cleric demanding 150,000 UAH from Metropolitan Theodosiy

The victim in the case against Metropolitan Theodosiy is demanding compensation for moral damage.

Experts: Law on same-sex marriage may deprive Ukraine of U.S. aid

Zelensky's statement sparked a heated debate on social media and among experts.

UN opens 12 centres for victims of sexual abuse in Ukraine

The UN Fund in Ukraine is providing assistance to individuals affected by the war and sexual violence related to the conflict.

Zelensky revokes Patriarch Kirill's Order

The president signed a decree revoking state honors from 34 citizens of Ukraine and Russia, including Patriarch Kirill.

Archon: ROC will have its own Ecumenical Patriarchate if Phanar is expelled

According to Rocky Sisson, given such a threat, OSCE members "must secure the presence and rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople."