Bulgarian Metropolis Condemns Monk’s Interference in Macedonian Church Affairs

On June 11, the Sofia Metropolis of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC) issued an official statement distancing itself from the actions of Archimandrite Nikanor (Mishkov), who had sent an open letter to Archbishop Stefan and members of the Holy Synod of the Macedonian Orthodox Church (MOC). The statement was published on the metropolis’s official website.

In the letter, published on the Macedonian portal Tribuna, Archimandrite Nikanor urged the election of Bishop Parthenius to the vacant Debar-Kichevo diocese, describing him as “a Macedonian patriot with a crystal-clear national consciousness.” He argued that such a choice would demonstrate the MOC’s “spiritual maturity” and readiness for full canonical recognition.

In his appeal, the archimandrite claimed that electing another candidate would “destroy the work of Bishop Parthenius” and harm not only Macedonia but the entire Orthodox Church. He called on the MOC hierarchs to “quiet their conscience” and avoid any other outcome.

The Sofia Metropolis responded promptly, emphasizing that Archimandrite Nikanor’s letter was sent without blessing and does not reflect the official position of the Bulgarian Church. The statement stressed that such actions constitute “unacceptable interference” in the election process of another Local Church and are more characteristic of secular figures than of clergy.

Earlier, it was reported that the Primate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Patriarch Daniel, sent a letter of support to the abbot and brotherhood of the Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai, which is under threat of closure due to actions by the Egyptian authorities. The Patriarch expressed concern over the situation, offering support and hope that the monastery’s status would remain unchanged and that it would continue its 1,500-year history.