Bulgarian Church Primate arrives in Istanbul
The first official visit of Patriarch Daniel to the Phanar has begun.
On December 25, 2025, the Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel arrived in Istanbul at the invitation of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, marking his first official visit since his enthronement. This was reported by Romfea.
The Primate of the Bulgarian Church is accompanied by Metropolitan Antony of Western and Central Europe, Metropolitan John of Varna, Metropolitan Naum of Ruse, Metropolitan Cyprian of Stara Zagora, Metropolitan Gregory of Vratsa, Metropolitan Pachomius of Vidin, as well as Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Church.
On December 26, Patriarch Daniel will concelebrate with Patriarch Bartholomew at the Church of St. George at the Phanar. On December 27, the Primate of the Bulgarian Church will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the Bulgarian Church of St. Stephen on the shore of the Golden Horn in Istanbul.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the OCU will not take part in the liturgical services of Patriarch Daniel at the Phanar.
