Bulgarian Orthodox Church elects new pro-Russian patriarch

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church has a new patriarch. Danaïl, 52, is a controversial figure because of his pro-Kremlin positions.

This is an appointment that is being closely scrutinized by Moscow and Kyiv: The Bulgarian Orthodox Church has elected Danaïl, a controversial figure among the clergy, as its new headknown for his pro-Kremlin positions.

This former metropolitan of the diocese of Vidin (North-West) succeeds the charismatic Neophyte, who died last March after having officiated for more than ten years in Bulgaria, who had called for an end to the war in Ukraine.

Danaïl has repeatedly repeated the Kremlin’s theories on the invasion, which was allegedly provoked by Ukraine itself and its Western allies in 2014. At 52, he was the youngest candidate and the least likely to be elected by the Church’s Council of Patriarchs. However, he was nominated for the top post with 69 votes to 66 in a much faster-than-usual process, according to several theological experts and newspapers.

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church, which has always existed in the shadow of its big Russian brother, is therefore taking its side in the war of words that isopposes the Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew, who denounces the invasion.

“He will try to restore the place and dignity of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and to be a bridge between the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Russian Patriarch.” hopes Konstantin Nushev, Professor at Sofia University.

“I hope it will work well, just like the church has done well so far. I want it to continue like this. To bring people together.” adds his neighbor.

The appointment has been controversial within the Bulgarian Orthodox community, reflecting divisions within society since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago.

Another case rocked the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in late 2023: the expulsion of three priests accused of being spies for Russia. They were two Belarusian nationals and a Russian who were expelled on the orders of the intelligence services for “their activities contrary to national security and the interests of the Republic of Bulgaria”. Moscow’s controversial ambassador to Sofia was outraged, accusing the Bulgarian government of having ““spit in the face of the Russian Church”. Danaïl had also criticized these expulsions.

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church unites more than two thirds of the population. Since the end of communism, which imposed atheism, many Bulgarians have turned to religion, with 58% declaring themselves believers.according to recent studies.