Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil declined to directly address whether opposing sanctions on Russian Patriarch Kirill contradicts Bulgaria’s national interest, as the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church held a scheduled session alongside a meeting with Prime Minister Rumen Radev.
When asked about the issue, Daniil said the stance against targeting the head of the Russian Orthodox Church was justified, arguing that such measures would not serve their intended purpose. “This is definitely a bold move and we do not think that sanctions against the head of a local Orthodox church achieve the interest and effect that those imposing the sanctions think. I think the decision is correct,” he stated.
The Patriarch also described the government’s engagement with the Holy Synod as routine and protocol-driven, noting that dialogue between church and state is ongoing and covers a wide range of issues.
Meanwhile, the issue of possible EU sanctions against Patriarch Kirill has become politically sensitive in Brussels. Prime Minister Rumen Radev recently indicated that Bulgaria would push back against including the Russian religious leader on sanctions lists, arguing that such a step would deepen divisions and complicate peace efforts.
“Let’s not mix politics with religion. Today in Sofia I said that the time of the Crusades is over,” Radev said, stressing that the war’s impact now extends beyond the battlefield into areas such as the economy, energy, culture, and sports.
He also emphasized that his position was not aimed personally at Patriarch Kirill, but at preserving ties within the wider Orthodox community. “I am not interested in Patriarch Kirill. I am interested in the Russian Orthodox Church… We are one family,” he added, referring to historical and spiritual links between the churches.
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church has also signaled that it considers the matter inappropriate for sanctions policy, reinforcing the view that religious leadership should remain separate from political measures.