Results of first round of voting for the new BOC Patriarch announced

Counting the votes of the first round of voting for the new Patriarch of the BOC. Photo: Screenshot of BOC video

On June 29-30 in Sofia, a series of events dedicated to the enthronement of the new Patriarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church are being held. They began on Saturday, June 29, with the participation of delegation members invited to the Vespers service, officiated by Archpriest Efimiy, spiritual mentor of the Sofia diocese, at the historic St. Sofia Cathedral.

On June 30, the Patriarchal Electoral Church Council is convening and the enthronement of the new Bulgarian Patriarch will take place.

According to the results of the voting, which took place around 9 a.m., in the first round Metropolitan Grigory of Vratsa received 64 votes, Metropolitan Daniel of Vidin received 51 votes, and Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech received 19 votes.

Four ballots were declared invalid.

In the second round, the choice will be made between the two candidates who received the highest number of votes.

Previously, the UOJ wrote in its article Battle for the Throne: Who will become new Patriarch of Bulgarian Church?

Read also

Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture

Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.

JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism

Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.

First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language

The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.

OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law

Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.

EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’

In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.

Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.