Patr. Daniel Says Bulgarian Church Faced No Pressure on Ukraine Issue

Photo: orthodoxtimes.com

SOFIA, BULGARIA — Patr. Daniel of Bulgaria emphasized the Church’s mission of proclaiming God’s peace amid global conflicts in an interview with Bulgarian National Television’s “Panorama.” Discussing his recent visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and meeting with Patr. Bartholomew, he highlighted the unity of local Orthodox churches as part of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.

Patr. Daniel noted that while the status of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine was discussed, no pressure was applied on the Bulgarian Church to take a formal position. He expressed hope that a conciliar response will address outstanding issues. On the Church’s independence, he stated that true freedom comes only through dependence on Christ, not worldly passions, and stressed that spiritual unity transcends geopolitical divisions.

Highlighting strong New Year attendance at Divine Liturgy and the popularity of a BNT series on St. Paisios of Mt. Athos, Patr. Daniel encouraged the faithful to trust in God’s enduring peace rather than worldly promises.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Daniel clarified that the OCU would be excluded from concelebrating at the Phanar during his visit there. 

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