Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople meets with Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria in Thessaloniki

On Monday, September 29, 2025, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople met with Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria in Thessaloniki. During their conversation, the two Primate discussed centuries-old spiritual ties, current relations between the Churches and general inter-Orthodox issues, focusing on the topic of theological education and the hope for the reopening of the school in Halki.

According to Orthodox Times, the meeting took place at the hotel where both hierarchs were staying and lasted more than an hour. Both Primate praised the excellent level of relations between the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and the Patriarchate of Constantinople, and touched on other issues of mutual interest in the Orthodox world.

One of the key topics of conversation was the importance of theological education in the modern era. In this context, Patriarch Daniel expressed the hope that the theological school on the island of Halki, which has been closed for 54 years, will one day be able to resume its activities.

It is worth noting that this trip is the first for Patriarch Daniel outside his jurisdiction after his election to the throne on June 30, 2025. The head of the Bulgarian Church arrived in Thessaloniki to participate in the II Scientific Conference organized by the Theology magazine of the Holy Synod of the Hellenic Church.

The publication also notes that the new Patriarch of Bulgaria has not yet made the traditional visit to the Phanar, «as is customary for the newly elected Primate of the Local Orthodox Churches.»

Recall that recently Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria commented on the situation around the Ukrainian church conflict and the topic of the establishment of the OCU, pointing to the presence of «significant canonical obstacles» to its recognition. According to him, the majority of local Orthodox Churches have not recognized this structure, and the church issue in Ukraine is closely linked to geopolitical conflicts.