BOC debunks false claims of disrupted service over RF ambassador's presence

The building of the Sofia Metropolis of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Photo: mitropolia-sofia.org

The Sofia Metropolis of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has officially denied reports that the Patriarchal Liturgy on August 2, 2026, was disrupted. Church representatives described as slander claims that the service in the cathedral had allegedly been interrupted.

According to the Metropolis, the Divine Liturgy "was in no way interrupted." Patriarch Daniel called on the faithful to remain quiet and maintain order on two occasions during the Matins service, which preceded the Divine Liturgy.

Earlier, a number of media outlets reported that the presence of Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova at the service had allegedly sparked protests and booing from members of the congregation. They also claimed that Patriarch Daniel cut the service readings in half and abruptly left the cathedral, thereby spoiling the feast day.

The Metropolis explained that the noise resulted from the exceptionally large number of worshippers seeking to venerate the wonderworking Hawaiian Myrrh-Streaming Icon of the Mother of God. Following the Primate's appeal for order, the service continued "with great reverence and prayerfulness."

As the UOJ previously reported, hundreds of faithful in Bulgaria welcomed the Hawaiian Icon of the Mother of God.

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