The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Bulgaria violated Petya Dimitrova's religious freedom after a 20-year legal battle. In 1995, Bulgarian authorities denied her request to register a church and arrested her for holding private worship services at her home. The court found that state actions were discriminatory and lacked neutrality. The judgment, delivered in February 2015, affirmed violations of Articles 9 and 13 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Alliance Defending Freedom represented Dimitrova in the case, stating the ruling sends a clear message to European governments to respect citizens' religious liberties. (Source: ADF International)
The European Court of Human Rights ruled in December 2022 that Bulgaria violated religious freedom. The case involved pastors Tonchev and Kiryakov, who challenged a 2008 letter from Burgas authorities. The letter instructed schools to warn children about Protestant groups, labeling them as dangerous sects. The court found the government's hostile campaign disproportionately infringed on the pastors' rights. This decision addresses long-standing accusations that the state discouraged families from attending non-Orthodox churches. The ruling confirms that sharing faith without government hostility is a protected right.
A revered saint’s relic will visit a monastery in Romania during late summer. In Canada, a new Romanian church in Alberta was consecrated three years after a fire destroyed the previous building. Meanwhile, at a Romanian monastery, a memorial service honored a prominent archimandrite and members of a religious movement. In Bulgaria, the Patriarch celebrated the anniversary of a local saint at a major monastery. Additionally, a church metropolis is preparing aid for families affected by an earthquake in Colombia that occurred in August 2026.
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RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇧🇬 Bulgaria·
In Bulgaria, Patriarch Daniel interrupted a liturgy after worshippers protested the presence of a Russian diplomat in the church. According to Lupa.bg, attendees whistled and chanted slogans against Moscow, prompting the Patriarch to step out and call for calm. Christianstvo.bg noted the reaction was spontaneous. The incident highlights growing tension regarding Russian diplomatic presence at religious events, especially amid the conflict in Ukraine. The visit coincided with the arrival of a revered icon from the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, raising questions about the Bulgarian Patriarchate's stance on political sensitivities.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇧🇬 Bulgaria·
The Sofia Metropolitanate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has suspended Archimandrite Nikanor from services for fifteen days and opened a canonical criminal case. The disciplinary action follows a public statement by Nikanor, who recently visited Ukraine, in which he criticized Patriarch Daniel’s pro-Russian stance on the war and accused church leadership of ignoring his request to leave the jurisdiction. According to the Greek outlet nyxthimeron.com, the conflict escalated after Nikanor claimed his hospitality for Ukrainian children provoked administrative retaliation. The Sofia Metropolitanate stated that Nikanor’s behavior undermines church authority and violates monastic vows. The case will be reviewed by the Metropolitanate’s ecclesiastical court.
Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria sent a letter expressing support for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and its leader, Metropolitan Onufriy. The message was shared during ongoing court proceedings in Ukraine initiated by the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience. According to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s Information and Educational Department, the letter warns that stripping the Kyiv Metropolis of its legal status would violate the religious freedom of millions of believers. Patriarch Daniel emphasized that internal church divisions should be resolved through conciliar methods rather than political intervention. He offered wholehearted support for the church's legal standing and prayed for peace in Ukraine.
Italy and Bulgaria have raised objections to a European Union proposal to sanction Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill. The plan, suggested by EU diplomat Kaja Kallas, includes a visa ban for the religious leader, who is viewed as an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Politico and anonymous EU diplomats, Rome expressed reservations about penalizing the head of a Christian denomination, while Sofia cited its large Orthodox population. This opposition complicates the EU's 21st package of sanctions against Russia regarding the invasion of Ukraine. Italian officials declined to comment on the matter.
Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel and Prime Minister Rumen Radev have publicly opposed potential European Union sanctions against Russian Patriarch Kirill. Speaking after a Holy Synod session, Patriarch Daniel stated that penalizing the head of a Local Orthodox Church would not achieve desired political effects. He described the recent dialogue with the government as routine. Prime Minister Radev, who met with the Patriarch, argued that such measures would deepen divisions and hinder peace efforts. Radev emphasized separating politics from religion, noting that the war's impact extends beyond the battlefield to culture and energy. The Bulgarian government maintains that sanctions would damage relations within the wider Orthodox community.
Metropolitan Naum of Ruse in Bulgaria has strongly condemned the recent attack on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery in Ukraine. In an official statement, he described the military actions as bordering on barbarism and threatening invaluable spiritual heritage. He emphasized the site's significance as a UNESCO World Heritage center of Orthodox monasticism. The Metropolitan supported Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s condemnation of the assault and called for the protection of religious sites. He warned that such destruction leaves lasting wounds on sacred places. The statement was sourced from the Patriarchate of Bulgaria.
A senior Orthodox leader from Bulgaria sent a message of support to the head of the Antiochian Church. The letter, issued from a city in Syria, addresses ongoing violence against Christians in that region and escalating military actions in Lebanon. According to the Orthodox Times, the Bulgarian Patriarch expressed deep concern for the faithful enduring hardship in the area. He reaffirmed the unity of the Orthodox Churches and emphasized the need for peace, stability, and protection for all communities. The message highlights the shared concern of church leaders regarding the difficult circumstances facing Christians in Syria and Lebanon. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church stated it stands in prayer during this time of trial.
The Court of Justice of the European Union issued a ruling on March 12, 2026, requiring all member states to legally recognize sex changes in certain cases. The decision stems from a Bulgarian case where national laws define sex biologically and forbid registry alterations. The CJEU argues that refusing such modifications violates EU rights regarding freedom of movement if it hinders daily activities like travel or work. This ruling asserts the supremacy of EU law over national constitutional interpretations in civil matters. The outlet describes the decision as conflicting with conservative laws and potentially imposing progressive ideologies that override traditional cultural norms and national heritage.
Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil welcomed Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I at the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria. The visit coincided with anniversaries of Saint John of Rila's birth and death. Patriarch Daniil emphasized the importance of shared joy and Orthodox faith during the event. He thanked the Ecumenical Patriarch for his presence and prayed for strengthened fraternal relations between the churches. The celebrations concluded with a joint liturgy at Rila Monastery, attended by both patriarchs and Bulgarian synod hierarchs. The outlet reports this as a significant moment for Orthodox unity in the region.
The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has called for ecclesiastical unity and restraint following criticism of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's visit to Bulgaria. Issued on November 3, the statement reaffirms full communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate and other Orthodox churches. The visit marked the 1150th anniversary of St. John of Rila's birth. The bishops warned against hasty reactions and divisions, emphasizing that care for faith must include humility and respect for hierarchy. They condemned insults and anathemas, urging clergy to address fears patiently rather than fueling conflict.
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Two cyclists departed from a town in Germany on a long bicycle journey to a city in Turkey. The extensive trip aims to highlight the climate crisis and global injustice. One rider, a representative for the Catholic Church in a specific diocese, cites his past global cycling experiences as motivation. The route passes through several European countries, including visits to social projects. They plan to arrive in time for the UN climate conference. The pair will return via train and ferry to maintain their low-carbon commitment, rejecting flights despite their availability.
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The International Mission Board is organizing a volunteer team to visit Bulgaria from September 26 to October 3. According to the IMB, the group will lead two strategic conferences aimed at inspiring and equipping local believers. The initiative seeks to address a historical lack of evangelism in the region by encouraging active community service. The ministry focuses on fostering unity and a shared vision among Bulgarian churches to enhance their outreach efforts. The IMB is currently preparing for this deployment to support these specific goals within the local Christian community.
Romanian and Bulgarian believers gathered on October 28, 2026, at the rock-hewn monastery in Ivanovo, Bulgaria, to honor St. Theofana Basarab. Vicar Bishop Macarie of Glavinitza officiated the Divine Liturgy, while Father Ginel Aurelian Ivan represented the Romanian Patriarch. A pilgrimage organized by Basilica Travel brought Romanian pilgrims to the site near Ruse. The event highlights the spiritual and historical ties between the two Orthodox Churches. St. Theofana, daughter of Basarab I, was canonized by the Romanian Orthodox Church in 2022. The monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, serves as a bridge for cultural and religious connection between the nations.
The Ecumenical Patriarch visited Bulgaria at the invitation of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. He attended services at a major cathedral in the capital alongside the Bulgarian Patriarch. The visit marked the 1,150th anniversary of a revered saint's birth. The Patriarch emphasized that true faith seeks communion and unity. He praised the Bulgarian Patriarch's leadership since his election in June 2024. The two leaders also celebrated the liturgy at a historic monastery. The event highlighted the historical and spiritual ties between the Church of Constantinople and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇧🇬 Bulgaria·
On October 18, 2026, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel celebrated the Divine Liturgy together at the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria. The leaders highlighted the spiritual bond between their churches and stressed the importance of Orthodox unity amid growing global divisions. Patriarch Daniel called for humility and dialogue to overcome schisms, while Patriarch Bartholomew described the Mother Church’s role as service rather than power. He also acknowledged the name of Metropolitan Epiphanius in the diptychs. Despite protests from conservative groups opposing Constantinople’s policies in Ukraine, the event marked a new era of reconciliation between the two patriarchates.
Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria opened the 2026 “Children Paint for Children” charity campaign in Sofia. Organized by the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, the initiative raises funds to support pediatric departments in hospitals in Vidin, Vratsa, and Lovech. The event took place at the Hyatt Regency Sofia and was attended by church leaders and officials. Patriarch Daniel emphasized the combination of creativity and charity, noting that children learn Christian virtues through artistic expression. The campaign features works from a national competition and aims to assist healthcare institutions while promoting Orthodox education among youth.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate has welcomed a new agreement between Greece and Bulgaria regarding the exchange of historic ecclesiastical treasures. The Patriarchate described this deal as the beginning of returning sacred objects removed over a century ago from northern Greek monasteries and metropolises under its jurisdiction. It expressed hope that restitution will proceed swiftly in line with international law. Additionally, the Patriarchate cited the Parthenon Sculptures as an example, urging other nations to repatriate cultural artifacts. This development follows earlier discussions between Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Bulgarian leadership.
An ecclesiastical treasure has been returned to Greece from Bulgaria, according to Orthodox Times. The article headline confirms the transfer of the religious artifact between the two nations. The text also mentions unrelated news regarding the Romanian Patriarchate's condolences to Spain and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's visit to Rome in October 2026. However, the primary focus of the reported event is the repatriation of the item to Greece. No further details regarding the specific nature of the treasure or the exact date of the return are provided in the available text.
Greece and Bulgaria signed an agreement in Thessaloniki on October 3 to exchange historical artifacts. Greece receives 48 ecclesiastical treasures removed in 1917, while Bulgaria gets the remains of Tsar Samuel. The handover occurred at the Museum of Byzantine Culture with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Rumen Radev present. The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece welcomed the deal as a positive start. However, Metropolitan Dorotheos of Drama expressed reservations, noting that hundreds of other items remain in Bulgaria. The Metropolis of Xanthi also seeks the return of additional treasures not covered by this initial pact.
The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece has praised a new agreement between Athens and Sofia to repatriate 48 ecclesiastical items taken from Greek monasteries during World War I. The deal, formalized by a memorandum signed by the culture ministers of both nations, concerns treasures from the Monastery of Panagia Eikosifoinissa and the Holy Metropolis of Serres and Nigrita. The religious body hailed the move as a significant achievement for national heritage. However, the Synod urged continued efforts to recover other artifacts removed from Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. Officials credited Metropolitans Theologos and Dorotheos, as well as the late Pavlos, for their persistent advocacy in this cultural restoration process.
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