Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria prepares to visit the Phanar

Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria is expected to raise the issue of his visit to the confines of the Patriarchate of Constantinople at the upcoming meeting of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Church. The move, which could take place late this year or early next year, would follow more than a year after his election and would mark an important development in relations between the two Churches.

According to Orthodox Times, the way for a peaceful visit by the Bulgarian Patriarch to Constantinople has been paved after a recent private meeting. Patriarch Daniel is currently in Thessaloniki, Greece, which is his first visit to the country since his election on June 30, 2024. According to the publication’s sources, the issue of the trip to the Phanar will be brought before the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Church on October 20.

The publication notes that more than a year has passed since the enthronement of Patriarch Daniel, but he has not yet visited the Phanar, which is traditional for the newly elected Primate of the Churches. Archbishop John of Albania, who visited and served with the Ecumenical Patriarch shortly after his election, is cited as an example. Sources familiar with the situation emphasize that such a visit would not be a surprise. «If Patriarch Daniel visits the Ecumenical Patriarch at the Phanar, there will be nothing surprising about it. Both Churches are in communion, their communication has never ceased, and it will be a co-service of the two Primates,» they note.

According to the same sources, Patriarch Daniel’s visit to Constantinople is being considered for late this year or early next year, subject to approval by the Holy Synod.

Note, we recently reported that Greek church media criticized Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos. The reason was the disagreement between the head of the Jerusalem Church and Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople on a number of fundamental issues, including the recognition of the Ukrainian schism. Patriarch Theophilus was also reminded of the Council in Amman, accusing him of excessive adherence to the Moscow Patriarchate.