Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Affirm Orthodox Unity in Istanbul
OCP News Service – 28/12/2025
Constantinople – Turkey: The first official “Peace Visit” of His Holiness Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria to the Ecumenical Patriarchate concluded today with a solemn Divine Liturgy, marking a pivotal moment in the relationship between the Mother Church of Constantinople and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
The visit, spanning the Christmas season from December 25 to 28, served as a powerful manifestation of the “unity of faith” following Patriarch Daniil’s election and enthronement in 2024.
A Warm Welcome at the Phanar
The visit began on Christmas Day, December 25, when the Bulgarian delegation—including seven Metropolitans and the Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod—was received at the Phanar. His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew welcomed the Bulgarian Primate as a “beloved brother,” describing the visit as an inseparable part of the truth of the Church.
In his welcoming address, Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized that the Ecumenical Throne is a “throne of humility” that strives to heal wounds and overcome disagreements. He reminded the assembly that the Orthodox Church “cannot live without agreement and without unity in Christ,” rejecting attempts by external parties to create divisions within the “skillfully assembled mosaic” of the Great Church.
Gratitude for Overcoming Schism
In a deeply symbolic gesture, Patriarch Daniil awarded Patriarch Bartholomew the Order of St. John of Rila (First Degree), the highest honor of the Bulgarian Patriarchate. This award was granted in recognition of Bartholomew’s decisive role in convening the 1898 Pan-Orthodox Synod in Sofia, which successfully overcame a period of schism within the Bulgarian Church.
Patriarch Daniil expressed deep gratitude, stating:
“We come here in peace and with good will… Although in separate jurisdictions, we remain dogmatically united—in one Church, with one Shepherd and Head: our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Liturgy at the ‘Iron Church’ and Final Messages
The visit concluded on December 28 at the historic Church of St. Stephen (the Bulgarian “Iron Church”) in the Yeşilköy district. Following the Holy Liturgy, Patriarch Daniil reflected on the spiritual peace gained during the journey, noting that his heart was “filled with peace” to bring back to his homeland.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew shared his joy at the visit’s success, noting that although he was “sorry that [Patriarch Daniil] is leaving,” the prayers of the Church of Constantinople would always accompany the young Primate as he leads the Bulgarian people.
The conclusion of this visit is widely regarded as one of the most significant ecclesiastical events in recent history, reinforcing the canonical order and the “longed-for unity” between the two ancient sees.
Source:
OCP News Service
