Patriarch Bartholomew hits back at petition against his Bulgaria visit

Signs held by Bulgarians protesting Patriarch Bartholomew's visit. Photo: UOJ

Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople commented on a petition opposing his visit to Bulgaria in an interview recorded at the Phanar shortly before his departure, UOJ-Bulgaria reports.

"I know that some of our brothers and sisters there, who have zeal not according to knowledge, have collected signatures and would like to prevent this visit of mine," the Phanar head said.

He claimed that the opponents represented only "a small minority," a mere "drop" among the Bulgarian people, who "generally respect and love the Mother Church of Constantinople."

"Therefore, these brothers of ours will not succeed in disrupting our visit," Patriarch Bartholomew stressed. He pointed out that he had been officially invited by Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel and the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

The Patriarch also said that like-minded opponents of his visit "exist in Greece and everywhere else."

"They are zealots, they are extremists. They are isolated from everyone else," he said.

At the same time, Patriarch Bartholomew added that the Phanar "loves" these people and prays that they will "return to the right path," walk together with their Patriarch, Synod, and priests, and "not create schisms or unauthorized assemblies within the Body of the Church."

In the same interview, the Phanar head described the Bulgarian Church as the "firstborn daughter" of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and expressed confidence that he would be welcomed throughout Bulgaria with "love and hospitality, respect and honor."

During his visit, Patriarch Bartholomew commemorated Epifaniy Dumenko at a service in Rila Monastery, prompting worshippers to shout "Anathema!"

As the UOJ previously reported, protesters greeted the Ecumenical Patriarch outside the Synodal Palace in Sofia with picket signs and shouts of "Anaxios!"

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