Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in Bulgaria
Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. Photo: UOJ
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew arrived in Bulgaria on an official visit at the invitation of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, UOJ-Bulgaria reports.
The Phanar head's plane landed at Sofia's Vasil Levski Airport on October 17 at 4:30 p.m. local time. His arrival was preceded by numerous protests, petition drives, and criticism in the Bulgarian and international press.
As Patriarch Bartholomew arrived at the Synodal Palace in Sofia, another protest took place outside the building. Demonstrators held signs reading, "Bartholomew, your hands are stained with the blood of Ukrainian parishes," and greeted the head of the Constantinople Patriarchate with shouts of "Anaxios!" ("Unworthy!").
Contrary to the previously announced schedule, Patriarch Bartholomew was not expected to concelebrate with the Bulgarian Patriarch at Sunday's service in St. Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral in Sofia, but would instead attend as a guest.
As the UOJ previously reported, clergy and laity of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church had voiced opposition to the Phanar head's visit.
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