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Patr. Bartholomew Calls Bulgarian Opponents of His Visit “Zealots” and “Extremists”
Patr. Bartholomew labeled Orthodox opponents of his Bulgarian visit “zealots” and “extremists” after a petition signed by more than 2,000 people called for his invitation to be withdrawn.
ISTANBUL — As reported by OrthoChristian, Patr. Bartholomew of Constantinople criticized Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria who opposed his visit to the country, describing them as “zealots” and “extremists” in an interview with Bulgarian National Television published ahead of his trip.
The controversy arose after the Bulgarian Holy Synod invited Bartholomew to attend celebrations marking the feast of St. John of Rila at Rila Monastery. A petition opposing the invitation gathered more than 2,000 signatures from clergy, monastics, and laypeople, citing the Patriarch’s ecumenism and his role in establishing the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU).
Responding to a question about his hopes for Bulgaria, Bartholomew said, “I love Bulgaria and its people. . . . For me it is a joy, an honor, and a blessing to be able to come once more and convey the message of care and the blessing of the Mother Church to her first-born daughter.”
He then dismissed the petitioners as a small minority and expressed confidence that they would not prevent his visit. Referring to similar critics in Greece and elsewhere, he said, “They are zealots, they are extremists. They are isolated from the rest.” He added that the Church prayed for them to return to what he described as the right path and to walk together with the official Church hierarchy.
Patr. Bartholomew also accused such Orthodox Christians of creating divisions and unauthorized assemblies within the Church. During the subsequent Divine Liturgy at Rila Monastery, he commemorated OCU head Epiphany Dumenko, prompting shouts of “Anathema!” from those present.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Bartholomew visited Bulgaria for St. John of Rila celebrations.
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