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.

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