BOC theologian comments on suspension of cleric who concelebrated with OCU

Archimandrite Nikanor and Serhii Dumenko. Photo: UOC–KP

Bulgarian theologian Valentin Velchev has pointed out that Archimandrite Nikanor (Mishkov), who was recently suspended by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church over insulting remarks directed at Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria, had previously concelebrated with representatives of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) without authorization. The comments were published on Velchev's blog.

According to the theologian, in May 2024 the archimandrite concelebrated with OCU "priests" at the Chernogorsky Monastery without a decision of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and publicly announced the establishment of "Eucharistic communion" with Dumenko's structure.

The current disciplinary measure – a 15-day suspension from priestly ministry, which took effect on July 29, 2026 – followed the cleric's participation on July 9–10 in celebrations marking the 975th anniversary of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, organized by the OCU. Archimandrite Nikanor claimed that he had received a blessing to concelebrate personally from OCU head Serhii Dumenko, whom he described as the "canonical bishop on Ukrainian territory."

Clergy of the Sofia Eparchy have already distanced themselves from their fellow priest's actions, describing his statements as "public self-expression without spiritual or canonical responsibility." Under the Statute of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, ecclesiastical disciplinary proceedings have also been initiated against the archimandrite. The case will be heard by the Sofia Diocesan Ecclesiastical Court.

As the UOJ previously reported, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria has repeatedly said that there are substantial obstacles to recognizing the OCU. The Primate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has emphasized on numerous occasions that the Tomos of autocephaly was granted to two schismatic groups despite the existence of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and that the OCU's "clergy" lack apostolic succession.

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