Bulgarian Patriarch: Registration of Old Calendarist Church leads to schism

Patriarch Daniel. Photo: BTN

Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria issued a statement expressing deep concern over the registration of the Bulgarian Old Calendarist Church, warning that this decision could have serious repercussions for the Orthodox faith in the country and lead to schisms within society, reports Glasove.

"This decision allows for the overlap or duplication of legal entities within the legal framework, thereby causing a blending of religious institutions in society. This leads to confusion among the faithful," he said. Patriarch Daniel emphasized that the Old Calendarist Church claims to be the true representative of the Orthodox faith in Bulgaria, whereas the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC) has historically held this role for many years.

"On one hand, the legislature recognizes Eastern Orthodoxy as the traditional religion in Bulgaria and acknowledges the role of the BOC in the nation's state and public life... Yet on the other hand, the Supreme Court of Cassation recognizes another representative of this faith," the Patriarch added.

Patriarch Daniel warned that this decision paves the way for other similar religious groups to register, which may in the future demand equal rights with the BOC in their relations with state institutions. "You will see the confusion this decision will bring among the people. The state itself is in a state of disarray, unable to distinguish which of these registered groups is truly the Orthodox Church," the head of the BOC emphasized.

He concluded that the most troubling aspect of this decision is that it opens the door to numerous schisms within society, which could have profoundly negative consequences. "Such a step is extremely harmful," the Patriarch concluded.

As previously reported by the UOJ, the Synod of the Bulgarian Church opposed the registration of Old Calendarists.

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