by Thanos Thanopoulos
Metropolitan Kipriyan of Stara Zagora, of the Patriarchate of Bulgaria, expressed his support for Metropolitan Onufrii and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine of the Patriarchate of Moscow.
The Hierarch of the Church of Bulgaria believes that with such a Primate, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine will be united, apostolic and synodical.
Also, Metropolitan Kirpiyan, referring to whether the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Church will recognize the new Church of Ukraine, stressed that a committee has already been appointed to address the Ukrainian issue.
“With the help of God, the dispute will be resolved according to the Sacred Canons,” said Metropolitan Kipriyan. “I was impressed by the speech and prayer of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Onufrii. He is a very spiritual man. I am sure that with a Primate like him the Church will be united, apostolic and synodal,” he noted.
However, the Hierarch of the Church of Bulgaria expressed the wish that a consensual solution should be found between the Russian Church and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
“Bulgaria has always been a country that loves Orthodoxy and is friendly to the Orthodox peoples. We are ready to reach out to those in need. Love between the people, and more so, among the Orthodox nations will strengthen our faith,” Metropolitan Kipriyan added.