Daniel, 52, was elected patriarch in a vote that reflects divisions within the Bulgarian Orthodox Church since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church surprises by choosing a pro-Russian cleric as its new leader. Pro- and anti-Russian factions have clashed within the Bulgarian higher clergy since 2019, after the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was recognized by the ecumenical patriarch in Constantinople.
His predecessor was close to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church
Unlike his predecessor, Neophyte, Daniel has sided with the Moscow Patriarchate in its dispute with the Ecumenical Patriarch over the independence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
The teacher of the Faculty of Theology from Sofia University, Konstantin Nushev believes that Daniel “He will try restore the place and dignity of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and be a puente between the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Russians.
Separation of sister churches
The Ecumenical Patriarch is considered the representative and spiritual leader of Eastern Orthodox Christians throughout the world.
His measure formalized the separation of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine from the ultra-conservative one as well. Russian Church. However, the Russian patriarchs and most other Orthodox people refused to accept this.
Daniel has been critical of the Church’s expulsion of a Russian cleric and two Belarusians accused of spying for Moscow.
Additional sources • Enrique Barrueco (Voice-over)
