Bulgaria’s Religious Tensions Take Center Stage with Orthodox Church Election: What it Means for the Region and Beyond

The ongoing dispute over the direction of Orthodoxy has led to a significant rift within the religious community. This has been further exacerbated by the Ukraine issue, which has caused tension between two of the most important leaders in Orthodoxy: Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and his Moscow counterpart Kirill.

The recognition of an independent Ukrainian church by Patriarch Bartholomew five years ago was a major point of contention, with former KGB agent Kirill condemning the move and breaking off all contact. Since then, the split within Orthodoxy has continued to shape its direction, with some churches following Constantinople, others following Moscow, and others looking for a middle way.

The election of a new patriarch in Bulgaria is also a decision about direction. The country’s Orthodox Church has traditionally maintained close relations with Moscow, but this relationship was strained following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Against this backdrop, it is likely that Metropolitan Daniil will be chosen as one of the candidates for the new patriarch, given his understanding for Kremlin policies in the past. His election would be seen as a success for Moscow’s shadow diplomacy and an expression of Russia’s influence on Bulgaria.

However, it is worth noting that Bulgaria’s political leadership remains vacant after recent elections failed to produce a majority government. If this trend continues, it could lead to further instability and uncertainty in the country’s future direction.