Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol called for prayers in support of Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria

Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol appealed to the Orthodox community to stop the harassment of Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel, who has faced a wave of criticism following his recent concelebration with Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. Despite the controversial decisions made by the Primate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, the faithful should exercise spiritual discernment and offer ecclesiastical support to the Primate in the face of immense external pressure.

The main cause of discontent among some believers was Patriarch Daniel’s recent visit to the Rila Monastery, where, during the divine service, a commemoration was held for Epiphany Dumenko, the head of the schismatic “OCU” structure. Metropolitan Luke emphasizes that such a reaction is understandable, but calls for setting aside emotions and viewing the situation objectively. According to him, the Bulgarian Church has still not officially recognized the Ukrainian schismatics, which confirms the consistency of Patriarch Daniel’s principled position on matters of canon law.

His Eminence Luke specifically noted that the Primate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church is operating under conditions of unprecedented blackmail and intense media attacks. According to the author of the appeal, a majority has formed within the Holy Synod that is forcing the Patriarch into reluctant compromises under the threat of a schism within the Bulgarian Church itself. In this regard, Metropolitan Luke considers the criticism directed at the Primate to be unjust, and the demands for an “irrevocable judgment” to be premature.

In conclusion, the metropolitan emphasizes that the Patriarch is bearing his cross almost alone amid a fierce struggle. He calls on the faithful, instead of condemning him, to rally around their archpastor, offering him the necessary support through prayer to help him stand firm in the face of both external challenges and internal church conflicts.

As a reminder, Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel previously issued an important address to the faithful, in which he clarified the position of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC) regarding the preservation of Eucharistic communion with the Patriarchate of Constantinople and Patriarch Bartholomew’s visit. The primate called on the flock to exercise prudence, emphasizing the need to seek church unity and warning against hasty conclusions and “unreasonable zeal.”