Bulgarian Synod Calls for Restraint After Patr. Bartholomew’s Visit

SOFIA, BULGARIA — The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has urged clergy and faithful to refrain from judgment and hasty conclusions following controversy surrounding Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s visit to Bulgaria for celebrations honoring St. John of Rila.

In an address dated November 3, the Synod reaffirmed that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church remains in full Eucharistic and canonical communion with the Patriarchate of Constantinople and the other Local Orthodox Churches, describing this communion as an expression of unity in the Orthodox faith.

The visit took place during celebrations marking the 1,150th anniversary of St. John of Rila’s birth and the 1,080th anniversary of his repose. At the invitation of Bulgarian Patr. Daniel and the Holy Synod, Patr. Bartholomew led a delegation from Constantinople to join the festivities. On October 19, the two patriarchs concelebrated the Divine Liturgy at Rila Monastery, together with hierarchs from both patriarchates.

The Synod said the joint service expressed their shared love and respect for Bulgaria’s patron saint and testified to unity in Christ. It also addressed what it called extreme sentiments, excessive statements, and unjustified fears that had emerged in connection with the visit.

While acknowledging that concern for the purity of the Orthodox faith is legitimate, the hierarchs cautioned against what they described as unreasonable zeal that produces suspicion, hostility, and division. The address condemned Orthodox Christians who blaspheme hierarchs, slander fellow believers, pronounce anathemas or appoint themselves as judges within the Church.

The Synod placed particular responsibility on clergy, saying their pastoral duty is to hear the concerns of the faithful and guide them with patience and prudence rather than inflame emotions or foster distrust and opposition.

The address concluded with an appeal to preserve both the Orthodox faith and ecclesiastical communion, following St. John of Rila’s example of firmness in faith joined with humility, prudence, and spiritual obedience.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Daniel urged prudence in the debate over Bartholomew's visit.