In Bulgaria, there are calls to convene a Council to discuss Tomos for OCU
Vasilianna Merkheb. Photo: Bnr
Church analyst and theologian Vasilianna Merkheb urged the Bulgarian Orthodox Church to initiate the convening of an All-Orthodox Council to address the crisis that has arisen after the granting of the Tomos of autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). In an interview with Radio Bulgaria, Merkheb recalled that a similar council took place in Sofia 26 years ago, in 1998, when the Bulgarian Orthodox Church successfully overcame a schism within its ranks.
"Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte was the first to respond, doing so in the most heartfelt and fraternal tone, both spiritually and prayerfully, as well as in a protective manner, against the persecutions in Ukraine," the theologian noted. She also added that seven other Local Churches subsequently expressed their reactions: the Antiochian, Jerusalem, Russian, Serbian, Albanian, Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, as well as the Orthodox Church of North Macedonia.
The church analyst emphasized that despite the decision of the Bulgarian Synod to award Patriarch Bartholomew for overcoming the schism, questions arise regarding the specific merits referred to. According to her, Patriarch Bartholomew not only once attempted to persuade Patriarch Maxim to resign in favor of the schismatics but also continues to perceive the Bulgarian Church as an exarchate.
"This is why it is extremely necessary to initiate an All-Orthodox Council. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church, being one of the oldest bastions of Orthodoxy, which provided the Ukrainian Church with literacy and liturgical books, should help it by taking on the organization of such a council aimed at healing yet another schism and preventing its spread throughout the Orthodox world," Vasilianna Merkheb emphasized.
As reported by the UOJ, the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, at its latest meeting, decided to award the Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew for his merits in overcoming the church schism. According to Bulgarian religious scholar Vasilianna Merkheb, "this contradicts reality, putting the conscience of many to the test."
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.