Patriarch Daniel calls euthanasia unacceptable

Patriarch Daniel. Photo: Press Service of the Bulgarian Patriarchate

On May 12, 2026, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria offered a prayer service for the health of medical workers at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky in Sofia. Addressing those gathered, the Primate noted that doctors and nurses stand “on the front line of human suffering and pain,” fighting for people’s health and lives.

In his sermon, Patriarch Daniel paid particular attention to the issue of euthanasia, stating that it is categorically unacceptable from a Christian point of view. According to him, for an Orthodox Christian and a believing medical worker, even the thought of advising or encouraging a sick person toward “assisted death” is inadmissible.

The Primate pointed to a disturbing trend in technologically advanced countries, where the number of euthanasia cases has risen sharply over the past 10 years, while killing itself is disguised under respectable-sounding terms.

“The Orthodox faith teaches us that even the gravest suffering in a person’s life has meaning,” Patriarch Daniel emphasized. He explained that the way a person bears the cross of suffering placed upon him by the Lord has “decisive significance for his eternal destiny.” His Holiness urged medical workers to imitate the Savior, Who first endured the most grievous torments out of love for humanity and overcame them.

The head of the Bulgarian Church reminded medical workers of their high calling to be “co-workers with God,” Who is the true Physician of souls and bodies. The Patriarch stressed that successful treatment must rest first and foremost on humanity, faith, and selfless care for the sick – not only on modern technologies and medicines.

Through their self-sacrificial service, the Primate said, medical workers bear witness to patients of God’s presence in the world and of the fact that His mercy does not abandon people even in moments of despair.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Bulgarian Patriarch explained what a “blessed war” is.

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