Daniil Elected New Leader of Bulgaria's Orthodox Church Amid Divisions

Bulgaria's Orthodox Church has appointed Daniil, a 52-year-old metropolitan known for his pro-Russian stance, as its new patriarch. The election highlights the growing divisions between pro-Russian and anti-Russian factions within the church since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Daniil replaces the late Patriarch Neophyte.

Bulgaria's Orthodox Church has appointed Daniil, a 52-year-old metropolitan known for his pro-Russian stance, as its new patriarch amid growing divisions within the church. The split has intensified since Russia's invasion of Ukraine over two years ago.

Growing tensions between pro-Russian and anti-Russian factions within the senior clergy began after some attempted to strengthen relations with the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, recognized by the Ecumenical Patriarch in Constantinople in 2019. While Daniil supports the Moscow Patriarchy in its dispute with the Ecumenical Patriarch over the independence of Ukraine's Orthodox Church, his predecessor criticized Russia's aggression.

The election, marked by a narrow second-round vote, saw Daniil secure the position of Holy Bulgarian Patriarch and Sofia Metropolitan. The council's decision was announced by the tolling bells of the Alexander Nevski cathedral in Sofia.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)