Bulgarian Primate responds to criticism of Bartholomew's visit (UPDATED)
Patriarch Daniel urged those unhappy with the Synod's decision to measure their views against the Church's conciliar judgment and warned against turning church gatherings into mere talk shops.
On October 25, 2026, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria addressed parishioners who criticized Patriarch Bartholomew's visit to the country following the Divine Liturgy at St. Nedelya Cathedral in Sofia, UOJ-Bulgaria reports.
"This was a decision of the Holy Synod," the Patriarch stressed in response to objections from parishioners. He explained that although he had not made the decision alone, he accepted it. "Just as I measure my own views against the Church's judgment, so should you," he said.
Patriarch Daniel thanked the faithful for openly expressing their views but criticized those who approach dialogue by "stating their position, walking away, and refusing to hear anything else."
"This is not about me! We must measure our conscience against the conciliar mind of the Church," he said.
The BOC Primate urged parishioners to exercise greater discernment. "Let us not turn a church gathering into a talking shop," he said, adding that while it is good for people to voice their concerns, judgments must be made thoughtfully and carefully.
Patriarch Daniel conveyed the blessings of Mount Athos and the prayers of the Athonite fathers to the faithful. He also invited everyone to gather again on October 30 for the feast of St. King Stefan Milutin, the cathedral's second patronal feast.
Patriarch Bartholomew visited Bulgaria on October 17–19, 2026, at the invitation of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church to mark the 1,150th anniversary of the birth and the 1,080th anniversary of the repose of St. John of Rila.
The visit sparked protests. In September, clergy, monastics, and laypeople sent an open letter to the Synod calling for the invitation to be withdrawn.
As the UOJ previously reported, Patriarch Bartholomew stated that he had come to Bulgaria to pray for the unity of the Churches.
