Bulgarian Church Election: A Tale of Division, Politics, and the Future of Orthodoxy

The recent election of a new patriarch in Bulgaria has sparked a debate about the direction that Orthodoxy will take. The decision reflects the deep division within the church, which is evident in the strained relationship between Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and his Moscow counterpart Kirill. This tension has been further exacerbated by the recognition of an independent Ukrainian church by Bartholomew five years ago.

The rift between the two religious leaders continues to shape Orthodoxy today, with some churches aligning with Constantinople, others with Moscow, and some seeking a middle ground. This division is not just spiritual but also political, as Orthodox churches play a significant role in national identity in Eastern and Southeastern Europe.

One of the candidates in the Bulgarian Church election, Metropolitan Daniil, has shown support for the Kremlin in the past, reflecting a pro-Russian stance within the church. If elected, his appointment can be seen as a success for Moscow’s influence on Orthodoxy in Bulgaria and beyond. However, other factors were also at play during the election process, including changing political stances within Bulgaria due to its ties with Russia after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Despite this shift in allegiances within Orthodoxy and politics in Bulgaria, there remains uncertainty about the country’s political leadership due to failed attempts to form a government after recent elections. The outcome of this election marks an important moment for Orthodoxy and its future direction within Eastern and Southeastern Europe.