Patriarch Daniel backs Bulgaria’s refusal to sanction Russian Church primate

Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria. Photo: pravlife.org
On June 26, 2026, the Primate of the Bulgarian Church arrived at the Synodal Palace for a meeting of the Holy Synod. Answering journalists’ questions about the government’s position, he fully supported Bulgaria’s refusal to impose restrictions on the head of the Russian Orthodox Church. This was reported by the Orthodoxia News Agency.
“This is certainly a courageous step, and we do not believe that sanctions against the head of a Local Orthodox Church achieve the interest and result expected by those who impose them,” Patriarch Daniel stressed. He added: “I believe this decision is right.”
On the same day, the Patriarch and members of the Synod were scheduled to meet with the country’s Prime Minister Rumen Radev. The head of the Church noted that the clergy are in constant dialogue with the state on important issues. “Within the framework of cooperation of mutual interest, there will always be enough topics for discussion,” the Primate said.
As the UOJ reported, Bulgaria blocked sanctions against Patriarch Kirill, explaining its decision by the lack of any real economic effect from such measures.
Read also
OCU clerics and students visit Pochaiv Lavra
Representatives of Dumenko's structure visited the largest Orthodox monastery in Western Ukraine.
Zelensky: Carlson can't accuse Kyiv of persecution, he never visited Ukraine
Zelensky stated that believers in Ukraine are "very free" and invited Carlson to come and see everything for himself.
Greek hierarch pained by schism ordeal for UOC
Metropolitan Nektarios of Kerkyra said the Church of Ukraine is suffering from schisms that divide the people and urged prayers for an end to wars.
UOC and Greek Church hierarchs consecrate Kiev Caves saints church on Corfu
Metropolitan Nektarios and UOC bishops consecrated a side chapel of the Venerable Fathers of the Kyiv Caves at the monastery.
Zelensky meets with Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Phanar on October 31.
UOC priest at Lavra explains how to bring Church persecutors to God
A priest at a prayer vigil outside the Lavra urged believers to remain steadfast in their faith and overcome persecution through love and generosity of spirit.