Bulgarian cleric who concelebrated with OCU has his suspension extended
Archimandrite Nikanor’s suspension from clerical duties has been extended for another 15 days due to the ongoing ecclesiastical trial.
On August 10, 2026, Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria suspended Archimandrite Nikanor (Mishkov) from performing divine services. The Bulgarian Church restricted the cleric's rights due to the ongoing legal proceedings against him.
The new ecclesiastical suspension (“argos”) will take effect on August 13, 2026, thereby extending the previous disciplinary measure.
The Sofia Diocesan Ecclesiastical Court is currently handling Case No. 2/2026 against Archimandrite Nikanor. The ecclesiastical judges are examining the cleric’s alleged violations under Article 95, paragraph 19, and Article 139, paragraph 2, of the Statute of the Bulgarian Church – actions deemed incompatible with the priestly rank and monastic vows of obedience, as well as actions undermining the authority of the Church.
Previously, the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Church had already published its position regarding the archimandrite. As the UOJ reported, the hierarchs condemned the cleric's offensive statements and slander against Patriarch Daniil.
