Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel: Constantinople's recognition of OCU is not a reason to break relations

The Primate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC), Patriarch Daniel, spoke on a number of topical issues related to the unity of Orthodox and Catholics and relations with the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Patriarch Daniel paid special attention to the issue of recognizing the Ukrainian schism. The head of the BOC is convinced that the recognition of the OCU by the Patriarchate of Constantinople is not a reason to break relations with Phanar.

According to the Telegram channel Pravblog, His Holiness emphasized that the mechanical unification of Orthodoxy and Catholicism will only harm, and true unity is possible only with agreement in the confession of faith. He also clarified the BOC’s position on the Patriarchate of Constantinople and the OCU after his visit to Istanbul.

Touching upon the topic of the unity of Orthodox and Catholics in the context of the upcoming 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council, Patriarch Daniel stated the need for unity in the confession of truth and understanding of the tenets of faith. He noted that, despite decades of dialogue, no significant mutual understanding on key issues has been achieved. The head of the BOC emphasized that the difference in the confession of faith is significant, and this is understood by many Westerners who accept Orthodoxy in America and Europe. According to him, it is the duty of every Christian to strive to overcome the deviations and achieve a single confession, otherwise any unification will be only mechanical and will bring harm.

Commenting on his trip to Istanbul, Patriarch Daniel explained that a preliminary agreement on a peaceful visit was reached in late September during a meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew in Thessaloniki. The Primate of the BOC confirmed that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church did not recognize the OCU and does not commemorate it in diptychs, despite the different vision of the Patriarchate of Constantinople on this issue.

He emphasized that this disagreement is understandable to both Churches and is not an obstacle to concelebration with the bishops of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. «We believe that the way to smooth out differences is not to interrupt communication, but to honestly and clearly state our position,» said Patriarch Daniel, expressing hope for a conciliar solution to these challenges. As an example, he cited the Albanian Archbishop John, who also visited Istanbul on a peaceful visit and celebrated a joint service with Patriarch Bartholomew, while the Albanian Church also did not recognize the OCU.

As reported, the day before, 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 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.