Bulgarian Community Objects to Greek-Language Liturgy
Patr. Daniel urged calm and understanding amid renewed tensions over language in Bulgarian Orthodox worship in Turkey.
EDIRNE, TURKEY — A dispute over language in Orthodox worship in the Bulgarian church of St. George the Victorious in Edirne has drawn attention from church authorities and local media, prompting commentary from Bulgarian Patr. Daniel on the tensions surrounding the incident. The controversy centers on reports that a Greek Metropolitan refused to allow a festive St. George’s Day service to be conducted in Bulgarian, sparking objections from members of the local Bulgarian community.
In an interview with Bulgarian National Television (BNT), Patr. Daniel described the situation as a “misunderstanding” and expressed confusion over how it escalated. “This misunderstanding . . . I personally cannot understand, explain why this is happening,” he said, referring to the breakdown in agreement over how the liturgy should be conducted. He also noted that repeated disputes over language in worship risk reviving historical tensions that Orthodox communities had long sought to resolve.
When asked about the broader implications, Patr. Daniel emphasized the importance of avoiding renewed conflict between Orthodox communities. “We are repeating what happened 150 years ago, when they fought for the right to preach an independent Bulgarian language." He also urged a peaceful resolution, stating, “We do not see why there is a need nowadays to rekindle something that is unnecessary to anyone.”
Addressing the future of the situation, the Patriarch expressed hope that church and civil authorities would find a workable solution to ensure services can continue without further disruption. “I think that the responsible factors will take into account the history . . . and will find a successful resolution to this issue,” he said, adding that worship should remain “in an understandable language” to prevent further tension between communities.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the Bulgarian Patriarch visited Samtavro Monastery in Georgia.
