BOC bishop: We did not invite Dumenko to the funeral of Patriarch Neophyte
Dumenko near Patriarch Neophyte's coffin. Photo: pomisna.info
Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church revealed that Epifaniy Dumenko, the head of the OCU, was not invited by the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church to the funeral of Patriarch Neophyte.
He recounted, "When the funeral of Patriarch Neophyte took place and the head of the non-canonical Ukrainian church, Serhiy Dumenko, arrived, our Synod did not invite him."
"Some of our hierarchs decided that if he wanted to participate in the service, we would not concelebrate with him," Metropolitan Gabriel said.
He stressed that some Bulgarian hierarchs had a firm intention not to serve with Dumenko, but thankfully, he did not even try to so as "not to get in trouble".
Metropolitan Gabriel also stated that he cannot say who exactly invited Dumenko: "He was not invited by the Synod, we invited the Ecumenical Patriarch, we invited other Churches, but we did not invite him."
Earlier the UOJ wrote that according to Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech, the Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church did not authorize to concelebrate with the OCU.
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.