Bulgarian Church Primate arrives in Istanbul
Patriarch Daniel at Atatürk Airport. December 25, 2025 Photo: Romfea.gr
On December 25, 2025, the Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel arrived in Istanbul at the invitation of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, marking his first official visit since his enthronement. This was reported by Romfea.
The Primate of the Bulgarian Church is accompanied by Metropolitan Antony of Western and Central Europe, Metropolitan John of Varna, Metropolitan Naum of Ruse, Metropolitan Cyprian of Stara Zagora, Metropolitan Gregory of Vratsa, Metropolitan Pachomius of Vidin, as well as Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Church.
On December 26, Patriarch Daniel will concelebrate with Patriarch Bartholomew at the Church of St. George at the Phanar. On December 27, the Primate of the Bulgarian Church will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the Bulgarian Church of St. Stephen on the shore of the Golden Horn in Istanbul.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the OCU will not take part in the liturgical services of Patriarch Daniel at the Phanar.
Read also
Moldovan Church and Bessarabian Metropolis heads discuss paths for dialogue
Metropolitan Vladimir of the Moldovan Church and Metropolitan Antonie of Bessarabia met in Chișinău.
Court hearing in Upper Lavra case postponed
The court postponed consideration of the Upper Lavra case in Kyiv until September 29 due to procedural violations.
Robert Amsterdam demands investigation into murder of Sviatohirsk Lavra monk
International human rights advocates have called for those responsible for the murder of Monk Varsonofiy (Turianskyi) to be identified and brought to justice.
National Memory Institute head receives ‘Montenegrin Church’ leader in Kyiv
Alferov said the “Montenegrin Church” has seen “significant progress in institutionalization and consolidation.”
UK Defence Secretary visits UGCC cathedral in London
Wes Streeting visited the UGCC cathedral in London on the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.
Jehovah’s Witness gets probation instead of prison term for refusing to fight
Ukraine’s Supreme Court upheld the conviction of a Jehovah’s Witness for evading mobilization but replaced his three-year prison sentence with probation.