Bulgarian Church Synod condemns suspended cleric's slander against Patriarch
The Holy Synod spoke out against the politicization of religion and the cleric's attempts to portray himself as a "victim."
The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has condemned the slanderous statements made by Archimandrite Nikanor (Mishkov) against Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil. The Synod members stated that they distance themselves from the public statements of the clergyman, who is currently under canonical suspension.
The Bulgarian Patriarchate emphasized that the systematic insults and blasphemous statements made by Archimandrite Nikanor, who acts as a “judge of all and everything,” are unacceptable and cause scandal among the faithful. Synod members expressed their protest against attempts to use the Church as a tool for achieving political goals.
"We, the members of the Holy Synod, do not accept the Holy Church being instrumentalized and used for political purposes, nor do we accept the aforementioned cleric presenting himself as a political victim," the statement reads.
The Church leadership reminded that any encroachment upon the unity of Bulgarian Orthodoxy or incitement to schism is strictly condemned according to the Statute of the BOC and the holy canons. At the same time, the Synod noted that the Church continues to pray for the repentance and communion of all its children with the one Body of Christ.
"We call upon the clergy and the Orthodox people not to yield to provocations that breed enmity and division," the document emphasizes.
On the eve of the Dormition Fast, the faithful were urged to exercise sobriety and to intensify their prayers for peace and salvation. The Synod expressed hope that the Lord will not allow the sheep to be stolen from His flock, but will help them find the path of repentance.
It should be recalled that Archimandrite Nikanor had previously publicly criticized the Bulgarian Church and Patriarch Daniel personally, after which he was subjected to the canonical penalty of “argos” (prohibition from priestly ministry).
