Bulgarian Primate responds to criticism of Patriarch Bartholomew's visit

Patriarch Daniel and Patriarch Bartholomew at the cathedral in Sofia. Photo: Bulgarian Patriarchate

Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel has responded to concerns among the faithful over his joint worship with Patriarch Bartholomew at Rila Monastery, explaining why the Bulgarian Orthodox Church continues to maintain communion with Constantinople, UOJ-Bulgaria reports.

In his address to the faithful following the Liturgy, the Primate emphasized that the decision to invite Patriarch Bartholomew had been made by the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, not by him alone. Patriarch Daniel thanked the faithful for their sincerity and stressed the importance of open dialogue about their concerns.

The Primate of the Bulgarian Church recalled that no one can be declared a heretic without a conciliar decision of the Church. As an example, he cited the Athonite monks of Mount Athos, who do not recognize the OCU but celebrate Liturgies with him without breaking Eucharistic communion.

He noted that amid the difficult situation in the Orthodox Church, efforts must be made to achieve unity rather than provoke further divisions. He added that several other Local Churches, including the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, take a similar position.

Patriarch Daniel pointed to Church history, which shows that communion was sometimes maintained even with heretics until, following lengthy discussions, the Church reached a final conciliar decision.

The Bulgarian Primate emphasized that critical posts on social media cannot replace conciliar deliberation. He noted that in the current difficult circumstances, the faithful must strive for unity while avoiding extremes and "zeal without knowledge."

As the UOJ previously reported, Patriarch Bartholomew stated that he had come to Bulgaria to pray for the unity of the Churches.

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