The Bulgarian Patriarchate has issued an official statement in response to criticism of the Phanar leader's visit

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church issued an official statement in response to the public outcry arising in connection with the visit of Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, who traveled to Bulgaria to participate in celebrations commemorating St. John of Rila. According to the Orthodoxia News Agency, church leaders called on the faithful to exercise prudence and refrain from hasty condemnations.

The official document emphasizes that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church maintains full Eucharistic and canonical communion with the Patriarchate of Constantinople and other Local Orthodox Churches. This unity is the fundamental foundation of the faith, and maintaining it is considered a shared responsibility of the clergy and laity.

The Church also strongly condemned displays of hostility by individual believers toward the hierarchy. The statement noted that “foolish zeal,” leading to suspicion and schisms, is incompatible with spiritual maturity. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church reminded everyone that it is unacceptable to act as “self-appointed judges” and to disparage the dignity of clergy.

Particular attention was paid to the role of the clergy. The Bulgarian Patriarchate emphasized the immense responsibility of priests, who are called to strengthen the faith of their parishioners, rather than “sow fear and stir up conflict.” In conclusion, the faithful were urged to seek guidance in the conciliar life of the Church, showing humility and respect for the hierarchical structure.

It should be noted that the head of the Phanar’s visit to Bulgaria was accompanied by significant tension. According to reports, protesters had earlier greeted the patriarch at the Synodal Chamber in Sofia with shouts of “Anaxios” (unworthy), and during the divine service at the Rila Monastery, when the patriarch commemorated the head of the OCU, Epiphany Dumenko, the responded with shouts of “Anathema.”