Liturgy with Ukrainian Schismatics Creates Rift Between Russia and Bulgaria

OCP News Service – 01/06/2024

Moscow- Russia: The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church expressed deep concern following a report by Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk on the participation of Bulgarian Orthodox Church hierarchs in a liturgy with representatives of a Ukrainian schismatic group.

The incident occurred on May 19, 2024, at the Valukli Monastery in Istanbul, where Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople led a liturgy concelebrated by several Bulgarian metropolitans and bishops, alongside figures from a Ukrainian schismatic group.

The Russian Synod identified those involved as Metropolitan Nicholas of Plovdiv, Metropolitan Cyprian of Starozagora, Metropolitan Jacob of Dorostol, Bishop Sioniy of Velich, and Bishop Vissarion of Smolyan. Their participation, according to the Synod, “caused serious damage to relations between the Russian and Bulgarian Orthodox Churches.”

The Synod further declared “the impossibility of concelebrating with the mentioned hierarchs” due to their communion with the schismatic group.

The report also expressed regret over the actions of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which the Russian Church views as deepening divisions within Orthodoxy.

Source:

OCP News Service