Patriarch Daniil Advocates for Unity and Peace in First Television Interview

OCP News Service – 23/07/2024

Sofia – Bulgaria: In his inaugural television interview on BNT’s “Panorama” program, the newly appointed Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil emphasized the unwavering support of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church for its people, especially in times of difficulty. He highlighted the Church’s mission to guide people towards spiritual fulfillment and the kingdom of God amidst political and social crises.

“The role of the church is precisely to show people that there is a way. If the political crisis reaches a dead end and no understanding can be reached, the church always points to this way, which is to the kingdom of God. The Lord told us: Seek above all the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and everything else will be translated to you,” Patriarch Daniil declared.

He stressed the importance of love and unity within the spiritual community as the foundation for resolving various issues. “Our mission cannot be different than that of testifying to our entrusted spiritual congregation that the Lord Jesus Christ is with us. How will this happen – if we have love between us. This is also the main message we have for our spiritual flock – let’s love God. If we do this, gradually all other problems will begin to be solved,” said Patriarch Daniil.

Addressing the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Patriarch Daniil called for peace and dialogue, urging an end to hostilities. “Even before I stepped into my role as patriarch, I have repeatedly stated that in this conflict, and in any conflict, the best thing is to stop the hostilities, the bloodshed, and sit down the warring parties and others connected with it to talk,” he explained.

Patriarch Daniil underscored the complementary roles of the church and state, stating that while state power addresses societal order and governance, it cannot solve the fundamental spiritual questions of human existence. “State power cannot solve the main problems of man, which are connected with the meaning of human life, with the salvation of the human soul, and the church has shown that there is no alternative in this regard,” he said.

He also expressed a respect for differing opinions, advocating for dialogue and understanding as pathways to truth and reconciliation. “I respect the personal opinion of each one. When there is a danger that this opinion will cause harm to the person himself, I do not remain indifferent, but I talk and explain why and where, in my opinion, there is a problem,” he said.

Patriarch Daniil concluded by emphasizing the necessity of cooperation between church and state authorities in all spheres to foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility among the people. “Among the Orthodox Christians, there are people from all political parties with different opinions, but what can bring us together is not everyone seeking their own righteousness. Our human righteousness is somewhat, it is largely a wrong,” he declared.

He remains confident in the faith of many Bulgarians, asserting that where there is mutual care and responsibility, God’s presence will become manifest both within individuals and in society at large. “When there are relationships between us of humanity, responsibility, care one to another, it will inevitably bring God’s paradise into our souls and it will become visible around us as well,” Patriarch Daniil concluded.

Source:

OCP News Service