Why a new Pan-Orthodox Council must be convened in Sofia

published on 9/30/24 7:05 AM

Photo: Facebook /BOC

26 years ago, on 30 September, at the initiative of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC), a Pan-Orthodox Council was convened in Sofia to resolve the schism within the Bulgarian clergy. Then, despite the efforts of Patriarch Bartholomew of Istanbul to persuade him otherwise, Patriarch Maxim, supported by Bulgarian hierarchs and leaders of other Orthodox churches, refused to resign in favour of Metropolitan Pimen of Nevrokop. This led to the confirmation and recognition of the canonical Bulgarian Orthodox Church and Patriarch Maxim.

20 years later, a similar situation unfolded in Ukraine when the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople issued a tomos granting autocephaly to the newly formed "Orthodox Church of Ukraine" (OCU). However, no representatives of other Orthodox churches attended the enthronement of Metropolitan Epiphanius, raising concerns about a breach of canonical order. Theologians have warned of serious consequences for Orthodoxy, and in Bulgaria they are calling for a new Pan-Orthodox Council to be convened in Sofia. Church analyst Vassilianna Merheb renews the idea of organising such a council.

Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil was the first to express his full cordial, brotherly support, both spiritual and prayerful, as well as his advocacy against the persecution in Ukraine - church analyst Vasilianna Merheb tells Radio Bulgaria. He was followed by the local churches of Antioch, Jerusalem, Russia, Serbia, Albania, the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, and the Orthodox Church of North Macedonia.

Meanwhile, on 11 September, the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC), on the proposal of Metropolitan Nikolai of Plovdiv, decided to honour Patriarch Bartholomew for his "special merits in overcoming the schism" in the Bulgarian Church. The question is, what exactly are these merits and why is the award given 26 years later?

"The Bulgarian Orthodox Church, both clergy and laity, was divided over the award to Patriarch Bartholomew, notes Vasilianna Merheb. This decision does not reflect the feelings of the entire Holy Synod. Some hierarchs do not support the award to a person who provokes a global schism and violates the canons - something that is confirmed by numerous documents and witnesses".

Moreover, Patriarch Bartholomew tried to belittle the late Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte by referring to him as "Your Beatitude" instead of "Your Holiness". This shows that for the Ecumenical Patriarch the Bulgarian Church is still regarded as an exarchate rather than a patriarchate. Such an attitude is also evident towards other local churches through the unilateral issuance of tomos for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) without convening a Pan-Orthodox Council.

Patriarch Neophyte (L) and Patriarch Bartholomew

"Given the global situation, the timing of the award is inappropriate. Our Patriarch, being a patient and wise man, has respected the proposal, but will not allow the souls of many to be disturbed. If anyone should be honoured for undeniable merits, it should be the first hierarchs who supported the Bulgarian Church. The convening of a Pan-Orthodox Council is urgently needed and nine local Churches already support this position. The Bulgarian Church, as an ancient church, has the potential to help organise such a council in Sofia to heal the schism and prevent its spread in the Orthodox world." After all, Sophia means wisdom.

Photos: Facebook/ BOC, BGNES, personal archive of Vasilianna Merheb

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Why a new Pan-Orthodox Council must be convened in Sofia

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