Bulgaria’s Orthodox Church Elects Pro-Russian Patriarch Daniil

Bulgaria’s Orthodox Church has stirred controversy by electing a pro-Russian clergyman, known as ‘Daniil,’ as its new head. The 52-year-old Patriarch is considered to have pro-Russian leanings, a decision that has highlighted the divisions within the church and society since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Internal strife between pro- and anti-Russian factions within the Bulgarian clergy has been ongoing since 2019, particularly after the Orthodox Church of Ukraine was recognized by the Ecumenical Patriarch in Constantinople. The Ecumenical Patriarch is the spiritual leader of Eastern Orthodox Christians worldwide, with various self-governing Patriarchs in different regions.

The formal split of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine from the Russian church led to disagreements among Orthodox Patriarchs worldwide. Daniil, the new Patriarch, has aligned himself with the Moscow Patriarchy in the dispute over Ukraine’s Orthodox Church independence, contrasting with his predecessor’s stance.

Daniil, formerly Atanas Nikolov, underwent theological studies in Sofia and later became a monk in a monastery. He represents a generation of Bulgarians who embraced the Orthodox Church after the fall of communism in the nation. His election to the lifelong position of Patriarch followed two rounds of voting by 138 delegates in Sofia.

He succeeded Patriarch Neophyte, who passed away at the age of 78 after leading the church for 11 years. While Bulgaria upholds the separation of church and state, its national constitution designates Eastern Orthodoxy as the country’s “traditional religion,” adhered to by approximately 85% of its 6.5 million citizens.