On June 30, 2024, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church elected Metropolitan Daniil of Vidin as the new Patriarch of All Bulgaria. His election marks a significant shift in the church’s stance, aligning it more closely with the Russian Orthodox Church and its influence in the Balkans.
Election Details
Metropolitan Daniil, a 52-year-old former monk, secured his position by a narrow margin, receiving just three more votes than his main competitor, Metropolitan Grigori of Vratsa. Daniil’s election by the 140 delegates on the church’s electoral council indicates a potential realignment of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church’s policies.
Historical Context and Recent Developments
Background of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church
Under the leadership of his predecessor, Patriarch Neophyte I, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church was seen as a unifying force. Neophyte I’s tenure was marked by his critical stance on Russia’s actions in Ukraine and his support for a more independent position from Moscow.
Impact of the Ukraine Conflict
Since the onset of the full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, Eastern European Orthodox churches have faced internal divisions over their affiliations with the Moscow Patriarchate and their recognition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which declared its independence in 2018. The Bulgarian Church has not definitively aligned itself with Ukraine’s autocephaly, unlike other Eastern Orthodox churches.
Patriarch Daniil’s Stance
Patriarch Daniil has taken a markedly pro-Russian stance. He has been vocal in his criticism of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and has defended the Russian Orthodox Church’s actions, including its controversial positions and its involvement in geopolitical disputes. Daniil’s prior criticism of the Ukrainian Church and defense of Russian Orthodox clerics expelled from Bulgaria highlight his alignment with Moscow.
Russian Orthodox Church Reactions
In response to Daniil’s election, Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church expressed support, praising Daniil for his commitment to the canonical order and ecclesiastical unity. This endorsement reflects the Russian Orthodox Church’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its influence in southeastern Europe, including its ties with the Serbian Orthodox Church and the recent support for the autocephaly of the Macedonian Orthodox Church.
Implications for the Bulgarian Orthodox Church
The election of Patriarch Daniil signals a potential shift towards closer ties with the Russian Orthodox Church and a more pro-Moscow stance. This move comes at a time when the Russian Church is actively working to expand its influence in the Balkans and reinforce its support within Slavic countries.
FAQ
Who is the new Patriarch of All Bulgaria?
Metropolitan Daniil of Vidin was elected as the new Patriarch of All Bulgaria on June 30, 2024.
What are the implications of Daniil’s election?
Daniil’s election indicates a potential shift in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church’s alignment, moving it closer to the Russian Orthodox Church and its geopolitical interests.
What was Patriarch Neophyte I’s stance on Russia?
Patriarch Neophyte I was known for his critical stance on Russia’s actions in Ukraine and his efforts to maintain a more independent position from Moscow.
How has the conflict between Russia and Ukraine affected Orthodox churches?
The conflict has led to divisions within Eastern Orthodox churches over their affiliations with the Moscow Patriarchate and their recognition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
What is the Russian Orthodox Church’s position on the new Bulgarian Patriarch?
Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church has expressed strong support for Daniil, praising him for his dedication to the ecclesiastical order and unity.
What role does the Russian Orthodox Church play in southeastern Europe?
The Russian Orthodox Church is actively working to strengthen its influence in southeastern Europe, including through its ties with the Serbian Orthodox Church and support for the Macedonian Orthodox Church’s autocephaly.
