In response to reactions and criticism voiced in some church circles following the recent visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Bulgaria and his participation in celebrations honoring St. John of Rila, the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has issued a pastoral message to clergy and the faithful.

This was reported by Orthodox Times.

In its message, the Synod emphasizes the importance of preserving the Orthodox faith and church unity, reminding the faithful that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church remains in full Eucharistic and canonical communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate and all other local Orthodox Churches.

At the same time, the Synod calls on everyone to exercise sobriety, spiritual discernment and restraint, and to refrain from extreme statements, condemnation and divisive behavior. Particular emphasis is placed on the responsibility of the clergy to strengthen unity and the faithful’s trust in the life of the Church.

“We wish to remind everyone that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church – Bulgarian Patriarchate – is in full Eucharistic and canonical communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, as well as with all other local Orthodox Churches. This communion is an expression of our unity in the Orthodox faith and our belonging to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Preserving this communion is the responsibility of each and every one of us,” the message states.

The Synod also notes that it is “utterly unacceptable for Orthodox Christians to insult their spiritual leaders, speak ill of their brothers and sisters, pronounce anathemas or assume the role of self-appointed judges.”

For LF’s analysis of Bartholomew’s visit to Bulgaria and the limits of Russian influence within the Bulgarian Church, read the article here.