Bulgarian Orthodox Church: OCU representatives will not attend joint service with Phanar head

The Primate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Daniel, made an official statement regarding the upcoming joint service with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, emphasizing that representatives of the «Orthodox Church of Ukraine» (OCU) will not be present. This decision was reached by mutual agreement and reflects the consistent position of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church on the non-recognition of the OCU.

According to the Telegram channel Pravblog, Patriarch Daniel in an interview with journalist Yavor Dachkov assured Bulgarian believers that there is no reason for concern. He noted that a peaceful visit to the Ecumenical Patriarch is a traditional event and a sign of the unity of the Church.

Patriarch Daniel emphasized that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has not recognized the «Orthodox Church of Ukraine» and does not mention it in its diptychs. According to him, this position is «clear and known to both sides.» An agreement was reached that there would be no representatives of this structure at the joint service, and the Ecumenical Patriarch assumed this obligation.

The Primate of the Bulgarian Church also emphasized the importance of maintaining communication with the Ecumenical Patriarch, despite the existing differences. He said that the way to overcome the differences is not to break ties, but to maintain communication, provided that «positions are clearly and honestly professed, with confidence in the conciliar voice of the Church.»

Earlier we reported that Bulgarian believers initiated the collection of signatures against the upcoming visit of the delegation of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC) led by Patriarch Daniel to Phanar on December 25 and its participation in joint services with Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. The petition, signed by about 500 citizens, expresses deep concern about the actions and canonical status of Patriarch Bartholomew, calling on Bulgarian hierarchs to refrain from the trip.