The Bulgarian diaspora has expressed its support for Patriarch Daniel amid the conflict with Archimandrite Nikanor

Clergy and parishioners of the Bulgarian Diocese in the United States, Canada, and Australia issued an official statement in defense of Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel. This statement was a response to public remarks and criticism from Archimandrite Nikanor (Mishkov), who had previously been temporarily suspended from ministry by the head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, according to OrthoChristian.

The conflict escalated after Patriarch Daniel, on July 28, prohibited Archimandrite Nikanor from celebrating divine services due to conduct incompatible with his rank and monastic vows, as well as for undermining the authority of the Church. The basis for the disciplinary proceedings in the Sofia Diocesan Court was a petition from the clergy and laity, as well as the archimandrite’s recent concelebration with representatives of the schismatic “Orthodox Church of Ukraine.”

In their appeal, dated July 30, representatives of the diaspora emphasized that during his seven years of service as vicar bishop of their diocese, Patriarch Daniel had proven himself to be a man of “sincere prayer, humility, and unwavering loyalty to the Holy Orthodox Church.” The authors of the document stated that Archimandrite Nikanor’s remarks go beyond the bounds of acceptable criticism, contain offensive characterizations and false assertions, and sow discord even among the faithful outside Bulgaria.

The clergy of the diaspora expressed their “full trust and filial love” to Patriarch Daniel and called on Archimandrite Nikanor to cease public confrontation and embark on a path of repentance and ecclesiastical obedience. The appeal concludes with a call to all believers to preserve unity and avoid influences that contribute to schism within the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

As a reminder, we previously reported that clergy of the Sofia Diocese of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church officially voiced their support for Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel, condemning the actions of Archimandrite Nikanor (Mishkov).