Bulgarian Orthodox Church Announces Three Candidates for Patriarchal Election

OCP News Service – 20/06/2024

Sofia – Bulgaria: The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has selected three candidates to succeed the late Patriarch Neophytos. After a lengthy meeting, the Synod shortlisted Metropolitans Grigoriy of Vratsa, Daniil of Vidin, and Gavriil of Lovech.

The chosen candidates meet the Church’s strict criteria. All three are over 50 years old, have served as Metropolitans for at least five years, and are known for their Orthodox beliefs and exemplary conduct. The three candidates emerged from a larger pool of nine eligible Metropolitans. Each member of the Holy Synod cast a secret ballot, and the top three vote-getters were chosen. Metropolitan Grigoriy received the most votes (11), followed by Metropolitans Daniil and Gavriil who tied with 9 votes each.

These three candidates will now face the entire Patriarchal Electoral Church Council on June 30th. The Council, consisting of representatives from each diocese, will vote again. To become Patriarch, a candidate needs to secure two-thirds of the votes. It’s important to note that Metropolitans Nikolai and Joseph previously withdrew from consideration for the position.

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church now awaits the final vote on June 30th, which will determine their new spiritual leader.

Source:

OCP News Service