Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel: Geopolitics Has No Place in Church Affairs

During the celebration of the second anniversary of his enthronement, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria emphasized the importance of church autonomy and cautioned against the influence of geopolitical factors on interchurch relations. A solemn liturgy marking the occasion took place on June 30, 2026, at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, according to the Orthodoxia News Agency.

In his address to media representatives, Patriarch Daniel expressed gratitude for the trust that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church inspires in civil society institutions. He noted that in recent years, a favorable climate for the Church’s mission has developed in the country, reinforced by support for legislative initiatives from various political forces.

Commenting on the European Union’s sanctions policy, particularly regarding Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, the Primate of the Bulgarian Church emphasized that geopolitics should not interfere in the affairs of the Church. Patriarch Daniel questioned the objectivity of such measures, citing examples of selective application of sanctions, and expressed concern that such actions are often dictated by narrow political and economic interests rather than the principles of international law.

As a reminder, it was previously reported that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and the Bulgarian government had taken a united stance, opposing the imposition of possible European Union sanctions against Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.