Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria received by Ecumenical Patriarchate in Phanar

on December 25, 2025, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria arrived at Phanar on an official visit. As part of the visit, a solemn doxology was performed, and an official meeting was held with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and members of the Holy Synod.

As reported by ORTHODOXIANEWSAGENCY.GR, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria and his entourage were met at the entrance to Phanar shortly after 17:00 local time. Among those who met him were His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, as well as other metropolitans and clerics of the patriarchal court.

Shortly after their arrival, a doxology was celebrated at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George on the occasion of the reception. The service was led by His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria.

After the doxology, an official audience was held in the Throne Room, where Patriarch Daniel was received by Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and members of the Holy Synod. During the meeting, greetings and good wishes were exchanged, which emphasizes the significance of this visit for interchurch relations.

The program of the visit also includes a joint worship service. According to the plan, on December 26, 2025, on the day of the celebration of the Cathedral of the Most Holy Theotokos, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will lead the solemn Divine Liturgy, concelebrated by His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria and the hierarchs of both Churches.

Earlier, the Primate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Daniel, made an official statement regarding the upcoming joint service with Patriarch Bartholomew, emphasizing that representatives of the OCU would 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.