Bulgarian Diaspora Diocese Voices Support for Patr. Daniel Amid Public Dispute

SOFIA, BULGARIA — The Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Diocese in the USA, Canada, and Australia has issued a public address expressing support for Patr. Daniel of Bulgaria following statements made by Archimandrite Nicanor (Mishkov) that the diocese described as harmful to the dignity of the patriarchal office and the unity of the Church.

Published July 30, the statement said clergy and faithful of the diaspora diocese were speaking not out of a desire for public dispute, but from a sense of ecclesiastical responsibility because of their personal experience with Patr. Daniel, who served as auxiliary bishop of the diocese for seven years before his election as Bulgarian Patriarch.

"We know him as a man of sincere prayer, humility, meekness, and unwavering faithfulness to the Holy Orthodox Church," the release states. "He consistently placed the spiritual welfare of the flock entrusted to his care above his own personal interests, sought to reconcile rather than divide, encouraged those under his pastoral care, and bore the burdens of his episcopal ministry with dignity. In him we came to know a bishop who sought neither human praise nor personal recognition, but served with self-sacrifice, patience, and a profound sense of responsibility toward the clergy and faithful entrusted to his care."

The diocese criticized Archimandrite Nicanor’s repeated public statements, calling them disrespectful toward the Bulgarian Church’s primate and warning that such remarks risk causing scandal, division, and distrust among the faithful. The statement said disagreements within the Church should be addressed through appropriate ecclesiastical channels rather than through public attacks.

While emphasizing that its appeal was not motivated by personal hostility, the diocese called upon Archimandrite Nicanor to end what it described as language of insult and confrontation, seek repentance and reconciliation, and respect the Church’s canonical order.

"We likewise call upon the clergy and faithful not to yield to words or influences that foster hostility and division, but rather to preserve peace, unity, and good ecclesiastical order, remembering that the words of a cleric carry particular weight and possess the power either to build up or to inflict deep wounds."

The address concluded with prayers for Patr. Daniel’s health and ministry, as well as for humility, unity, and peace among all members of the Orthodox Church.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Bulgarian Church suspended Archimandrite Nicanor after an OCU concelebration.