The Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church condemned the actions of Archimandrite Nikanor

The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC) issued an official statement in which it categorically condemned the public remarks and defamatory statements made by Archimandrite Nikanor Mishkov, a cleric of the Diocese of Sofia. The actions of the clergyman, who is under canonical suspension, have been deemed unacceptable and detrimental to the unity of the Church. This was reported by , the official website of the Bulgarian Patriarchate.

The official statement emphasizes that Archimandrite Nikanor’s systematic offensive and blasphemous remarks are causing serious distress among the faithful. The hierarchs of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church reject attempts to exploit the Church for political purposes and categorically reject the portrayal of the cleric as a “political victim.” According to the Synod’s position, such actions constitute a gross violation of the BOC’s Statute and the sacred canons.

The leadership of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has called on the clergy and laity to exercise prudence and not to succumb to provocations that lead to division and hostility. The Synod’s statement also contains a call to pray for repentance and reconciliation during the Dormition Fast, especially in light of the contemporary challenges facing society and the Church.

As a reminder, the Sofia Metropolis of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church recently announced a 15-day suspension from priestly ministry for Archimandrite Nikanor, the abbot of the Tsernogor Monastery of “Saints Cosmas and Damian, the Unmercenaries and Wonderworkers.” The decision takes effect on July 29, 2026, in accordance with Decree No. 134 of His Holiness Daniel, Metropolitan of Sofia and Patriarch of Bulgaria.