Bulgaria: The hierarch who served with the OCU could become patriarch

Metropolitan Anthony (left) and Metropolitan Nicholas. Photo: glasove.com

Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church stated that Metropolitan Nicholas of Plovdiv has not officially submitted a resignation from the candidacy for the position of Patriarch to the Holy Synod.

In the program "The Day Begins", Metropolitan Anthony explained that on June 20, the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Church will gather to elect three candidates from whom the new Patriarch will be chosen.

"The election of the new Patriarch and his enthronement will take place on June 30, so that he can conduct his first Holy Liturgy on July 1," explained Metropolitan Anthony.

He neither confirmed nor denied whether Metropolitan Nicholas of Plovdiv would participate in the elections for the new head of the Bulgarian Church, noting that Metropolitan Nicholas has not officially withdrawn his candidacy for this position.

Earlier, it was reported that Metropolitan Nicholas had withdrawn his candidacy from the Bulgarian Patriarchal elections and subsequently served with Zoria and Lotysh in Phanar.

Later, it was revealed in Bulgaria who might become the new Patriarch.

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.