Sofia, June 21, 2024
bg-patriarshia.bg
The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church chose yesterday three candidates to participate in the upcoming Patriarchal elections, reports the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
His Holiness Patriarch Neofit, who presided over the Bulgarian Church for 11 years, reposed in the Lord in March . His successor will be chosen from the among the three candidates by a council of the bishops together with clerical, monastic, and lay representatives, on June 30.
The three candidates for the next Patriarch are:
- His Eminence Metropolitan Gregory of Vratsa, 53, who received 11 votes in the 1st round
- His Eminence Metropolitan Daniil of Vidin , 52, who received 9 votes in the 32nd round
- His Eminence Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech , 73, who received 9 votes in the 42nd round
It is noteworthy that none of the hierarchs who concelebrated with Ukrainian schismatic “bishops” in Istanbul in May were chosen as candidates.
Met. Gregory was elected temporary head of the Holy Synod following the repose of Pat. Neofit, with responsibility for organizing the Patriarchal election.
Metropolitans Gabriel and Daniil are well known for their firm Orthodox stance on ecclesiology and the issue of the Ukrainian schisms.
Met. Daniil is also well known in the diaspora, having labored for 8 years as vicar in the Bulgarian Church's Diocese of the USA, Canada, and Australia.
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