Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

The Moscow Patriarchate will send new emissaries to the Russian church in Sofia

The Russian Church of Saint Nicholas in central Sofia
Photo: BTA

The Moscow Patriarchate will soon appoint a new head of the Russian Church in Sofia to replace Archimandrite Vasian, who was expelled from the country. This is the answer to the letter that the Bulgarian Patriarch and Sofia Metropolitan Neophyte sent to the Russian Patriarch Kirill. 

In the response, Patriarch Kirill classified the actions of the Bulgarian authorities in deporting employees of the Russian court in Sofia accused of espionage as a "hostile and unjust act". In the letter, the Moscow Patriarch expresses sympathy for the residents of Sofia who cannot visit the Russian Church and pray at the tomb of Saint Seraphim, who is buried there. 
Also, a request is made in the letter to provide assistance to the new head of the Russian church upon his arrival in Sofia.
In conclusion, Patriarch Kirill expresses confidence that "the political forces, behind which stands the enemy of the human race, will not succeed in destroying the age-old bonds of love and brotherhood in Christ, which lie at the basis of the cooperation between the Russian and Bulgarian churches".



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

St. Stephen – the first Christian martyr

On the third day of Christmas, December 27, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church commemorates the memory of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. His name means "crown" or "wreath" and comes from the Greek "στέφανος" (stéphanos). It symbolizes victory..

published on 12/27/24 5:10 AM
Hannukah celebration in the central Sofia synagogue

From December 25 to January 2, Jewish people in Bulgaria and around the world will light Hanukkah candles

At sunset on December 25, the Jewish community begins to celebrate Hanukkah. The holiday begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar and, depending on the year, can fall in November or December.  By lighting 9..

published on 12/25/24 10:35 AM
Bulgarian Partriarch Daniil

Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria and the world celebrate Christmas

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas with solemn services. The festive services began on Christmas Eve, when the church held a solemn vigil.  Hundreds of laypeople gathered at the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, where..

published on 12/25/24 9:25 AM