Media: Metropolitan of Bulgarian Church forbids Eucharist for OCU members
Metropolitan Ioanniky (Nedelchev) of Sliven. Photo: Wikipedia
In the Eparchy of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in Sliven, members of the OCU cannot partake of the Eucharist. This became known from the publication in Facebook of the journalist of the Bulgarian National Radio Anna-Maria Kristeva.
In particular, she reported that one of the representatives of Sliven Eparchy, priest Yevgeny Yanakiev, had forbidden the Sacrament for the OCU members.
This case, as evidenced by the comments under the journalist's post, took place on June 9, 2019 in the Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, the city of Pomorye, during the “Worthy Is” Orthodox music festival. It is also reported that the ban on receiving the Eucharist was read in the church in Russian.
In addition, the local vicar, Bishop Hierotheos, confirmed that Father Yevgeny was guided by the district letter of the ruling bishop, Metropolitan Ioanniky, and did not exceed his authority.
Priest Yevgeny Yanakiev more than a year ago was appointed as Protosingell (the closest assistant) to Metropolitan Ioanniky. Father Yevgeny is known in Bulgaria for his tough stance against abortion and homosexuality.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the hierarch of the Bulgarian Church, Metropolitan of Vidin Daniel, addressed the primates and hierarchs of the Local Churches with a message regarding the actions of Fanar in Ukraine.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.