The Bulgarian Orthodox Church has extended the suspension of Archimandrite Nikanor, who concelebrated with the OCU

Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel has officially extended the suspension from the ministry (argos) of Archimandrite Nikanor (Mishkov) until September 11, 2026. This decision is due to the ongoing proceedings in the Sofia Diocesan Court.

According to , Decree No. 146, signed by the head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, extended the suspension by an additional 15 days, bringing the total duration of the suspension to 45 days. Case No. 2/2026 is currently being heard in the Diocesan Court, in which the actions of the abbot of the Montenegrin Monastery are being examined for compliance with the Statute of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Church authorities characterize the cleric’s behavior as actions incompatible with the priestly office and a violation of the vows of monastic obedience.

The conflict escalated after Archimandrite Nikanor concelebrated with Epiphany Dumenko, head of the OCU. In addition, the cleric has repeatedly voiced sharp criticism of his Church’s hierarchy. In particular, he has publicly insulted Patriarch Daniel and questioned the legitimacy of the Church’s structure.