Patriarch Daniel calls for preserving Church unity

Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria. Photo: UOJ

On October 18, 2026, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria called for preserving the unity of the Church in truth and love during a sermon at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia. Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople was also present at the Divine Liturgy, UOJ-Bulgaria reports.

The Primate described Church unity as a grace-filled gift of the Holy Spirit. Recalling the Apostle Paul's call for harmony and mutual love, he stressed that without unity among believers, joy in Christ remains incomplete. He said that spiritual bonds between the Local Churches must be rooted in their shared faith.

Patriarch Daniel pointed to St. John of Rila as an example of such faithfulness, noting that this year marks the 1,150th anniversary of his birth and the 1,080th anniversary of his repose. He recalled the teachings of the Holy Fathers on preserving the purity of the faith against alien doctrines and living in harmony. The Primate also observed that the deep divisions in modern society are reflected in Church life.

Patriarch Daniel emphasized that seeking and preserving unity is a duty of Church pastors, and that neglecting this responsibility runs counter to their calling. He said the path to overcoming divisions lies in humility, repentance, brotherly fellowship, and a shared commitment to the legacy of the Holy Apostles and Fathers.

As the UOJ previously reported, on October 18, 2026, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria and Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople attended the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky in Sofia, where they joined in prayer.

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