On June 30, a pivotal election within the Bulgarian Orthodox Church concluded with the enthronement of Metropolitan Daniil of Vidin as the new Metropolitan of Sofia and Patriarch of All Bulgaria. Daniil’s election has garnered attention as it positions the Bulgarian Church closer to the Russian Orthodox Church, led by Patriarch Kirill in Moscow, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and internal Orthodox disputes.
Election Results and Implications
Metropolitan Daniil, a 52-year-old former monk, won the position by a narrow margin, securing three more votes than his primary rival, Metropolitan Grigori of Vratsa. The election, conducted by the church's 140-member electoral council, saw Daniil ascend to a role that he is expected to hold for many years due to his age, which is only slightly above the minimum requirement set by church law.
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| Metropolitan Daniil of Vidin has been elected as the new Patriarch of All Bulgaria, signaling a potential shift towards closer ties with the Russian Orthodox Church. |
This election is seen as a significant shift in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church's alignment. The choice of Daniil, known for his pro-Russian stance, may strengthen the ties between the Bulgarian Church and the Russian Orthodox Church, which has been a focal point of influence for Russia in the Balkans.
Historical and Political Context
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church’s election comes against a backdrop of increased tension between Eastern Orthodox churches, particularly since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. The war has exacerbated divisions among Orthodox churches, especially regarding their affiliations and recognition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which declared its independence from Moscow in 2018.
Historically, the Russian Orthodox Church broke communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in 2019 after the latter recognized the Ukrainian Orthodox Church's autocephaly. This led to heightened tensions and accusations that the Russian Church was being used as a tool for geopolitical influence, including allegations of espionage and shadow diplomacy.
Daniil's Stance and Controversies
Metropolitan Daniil has been a vocal critic of the Ukrainian Church's independence and has rejected characterizations of Russia as the aggressor in the ongoing conflict. His previous public statements have compared the Ukrainian Church's separation from Moscow to Soviet-era repression, drawing criticism from various quarters.
Daniil's close association with Archimandrite Vassian, a Russian Orthodox priest expelled from Bulgaria last year on espionage charges, has further fueled perceptions of his pro-Russian inclinations. Daniil’s defense of Vassian and his criticism of the Bulgarian synod's brief assumption of control over the Russian Church have reinforced his image as a strong ally of Moscow.
Reactions and Future Prospects
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow congratulated Daniil, praising him as a "God-wise hierarch" and expressing the Russian Orthodox Church's joy at the new appointment. This endorsement underscores the strategic interest Russia has in strengthening its influence in Southeastern Europe, aligning with Serbia and North Macedonia in religious and political spheres.
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church’s alignment with Moscow contrasts with the more cautious stance of other Orthodox bodies, which have sought closer ties with the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. This realignment may impact Bulgaria's internal politics and its stance within the broader European context.
Public Opinion and Political Repercussions
Public opinion in Bulgaria remains divided on Russia. Recent polling indicates that while some Bulgarians are skeptical of Russian influence, viewing it as a threat to both the European Union and NATO, others support stronger ties with Moscow. The election of Daniil could further polarize these views and influence Bulgaria’s political landscape, particularly in relation to its EU and NATO commitments.
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church’s new leadership under Daniil represents a significant shift that may have far-reaching implications for the church's role in the Balkans and its relationship with Russia. As Daniil takes up his new role, the church and its followers will navigate these changes amidst ongoing regional and global tensions.
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