Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

The Holy Synod shortlists three candidates for new Patriarch

Metropolitan Gavriil of Lovech (L) Metropolitan Gregory of Vratsa (M) and Metropolitan Daniil of Vidin (R)
Photo: BGNES

After a long meeting that lasted several hours, the Holy Synod shortlisted three candidates for new Bulgarian Patriarch. These are Metropolitan Gavriil of Lovech, Metropolitan Gregory of Vratsa and Metropolitan Daniil of Vidin.

 According to the statutes of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, the chosen candidates must meet three criteria: they must be at least 50 years old, must have been a Metropolitan of a diocese for at least five years, possess Orthodox thinking and lead an exemplary life. The Patriarch will be elected at a Patriarchal Electoral Church Council on June 30. The Patriarchal Electoral Church Council consists of five representatives from each diocese and ten from the Metropolis of Sofia. 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Bulgaria expresses support for Lithuania following Russian incursion

"Bulgaria expresses strong solidarity with Lithuania following Russia's repeated violations of European airspace, a clear example of deliberate breaches of international law and the territorial integrity of our allies and partners," the Bulgarian..

published on 10/24/25 5:32 PM
Sofia University

Over 63% of Ukrainian students in Bulgaria are ethnic Bulgarians

In the 2024/2025 academic year, 2,104 students from Ukraine were studying at Bulgarian universities , according to the Ministry of Education. Of these, 1,750 were pursuing bachelor’s degrees, 304 were in master’s programmes, and 50 were enrolled in..

published on 10/24/25 5:22 PM
Dan Jørgensen

EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen to visit Bulgaria

European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen will visit Bulgaria on 28 October, just days after US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Russian oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft over Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine, BNR correspondent..

published on 10/24/25 5:08 PM