Meeting Between Patriarch Daniel and Metropolitan Antony Highlights Orthodox Concerns

OCP News Service – 24/11/2024

Sofia – Bulgaria: A high-level meeting took place on November 22nd between His Holiness Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria and Metropolitan Antony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate. The meeting, held at the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing global challenges facing the Orthodox world, particularly the ongoing persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

The two Church leaders discussed a range of issues, including the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the consecration of the Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral in Sofia. They expressed their commitment to preserving the unity of the Orthodox Church and working together to address the challenges facing the global Christian community.

Metropolitan Antony conveyed greetings from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, emphasizing the strong bond between the Russian and Bulgarian Orthodox Churches. Both sides acknowledged the historical and spiritual ties that unite the two nations and their Churches.

A key topic of discussion was the ongoing persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Metropolitan Antony expressed deep concern over the situation and called for the international community to take action to protect the rights of Orthodox Christians in Ukraine.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of gifts, symbolizing the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two Churches.

Source:

OCP News Service