Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2026 All Rights Reserved

Nikolai of Plovdiv declares he will not be seeking patriarchal role

Nikolai of Plovdiv
Photo: BTA/ Archive

I will not be Patriarch. This I can declare, and you have no idea who will be the Patriarch," Metropolitan Nikolai of Plovdiv said in Burgas. The comment was made two days after Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe said that no document had been received from Nikolai of Plovdiv renouncing his participation in the Patriarchal election.

"The Holy Scripture says that your word should be 'yes' or 'no', there is no 'abstention'. If you ask me if I will become Patriarch, my word is 'no'," said the Metropolitan. This was the cleric's answer to the question of whether he had written to the Holy Synod stating his refusal to stand in the election for the Patriarch of Bulgaria. "I wrote an address, which I signed. I told the Holy Synod what I have to say and I think that is enough," added Nikolai of Plovdiv. 

The election of the Patriarch will take place on 30 June, when the Patriarchal Election Council has been convened.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Government resumes talks with unions and employers after freezing the 2026 budget

'The dialogue between employers and trade unions has been restored. Consultations will begin tomorrow at the Ministry of Finance to iron out all the details. The state is committed to supporting every Bulgarian citizen.' This was written by GERB leader..

published on 11/27/25 2:55 PM

NSI: Bulgarians' international travel increased 15% last year

Bulgarian citizens traveled abroad 829,300 times in October, which is 15% more than in October 2024 , according to the National Statistical Institute. The most popular destinations were Turkey, Greece, Serbia, Romania, Germany, North Macedonia,..

published on 11/27/25 2:39 PM

State-owned enterprises to combat corruption through an integrity officer

The National Assembly has introduced a new requirement for state-owned enterprises to implement corruption risk management systems, which will also include appointing an integrity officer. The measure is recommended by the Organisation for Economic..

published on 11/27/25 1:30 PM