Bulgaria's Orthodox Church elects pro-Russian patriarch as new head
The Orthodox Church in Bulgaria has chosen a pro-Russian successor as its new head following the death of Patriarch Neofit. The 52-year-old Metropolitan Daniil received the votes of 69 out of the 138 delegates of the Church Council, according to the Holy Synod's announcement. He defeated the 50-year-old Hryhoriy, who was supported by 66 delegates and is known to be neutral in relation to the Kremlin.
The Bulgarian Patriarch is elected for life. Patriarch Neofit passed away in March at the age of 78. The Orthodox Church in Bulgaria is traditionally close to Moscow but usually remains silent on current events. Neofit, however, had called for an end to the war in Ukraine towards the end of the conflict.
Daniil expressed his support for the Kremlin in a video message in 2023. In November 2022, just a few months after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Daniil gave instructions to his priests in which he criticized the tendency to "sow hatred against one of the warring parties, which is the only unprovoked aggressor." Prior to his election as Patriarch, Daniil was the Metropolitan of Vidin.
Approximately two-thirds of the population in Bulgaria belong to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. After the election on Sunday, a procession and then the enthronement of the new Patriarch were planned.
The newly elected Orthodox Church Head in Bulgaria, Metropolitan Daniil, is an Orthodox Patriarch known for his pro-Russian views. As the successor to the late Patriarch Neofit, who called for an end to the Ukraine conflict, Daniil's election has sparked concerns due to his criticism of those sowing hatred against Russia. The majority of the Bulgarian population identifies with the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, emphasizing its significant influence in the country.
