Metropolitans Grigory of Vratsa, Daniil of Vidin, and Gavriil of Lovchan have been chosen to form the triprosopon, from which the new Patriarch of Bulgaria will be selected.
The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Church met today to elect these three Metropolitans as potential successors to the late Patriarch Neophytos. Some Metropolitans were deemed ineligible for election due to age and experience requirements outlined in the Charter of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
When asked about the selection process, Metropolitan Cyprian mentioned that detailed discussions were confidential, but revealed that 42 rounds of voting took place, indicating thorough deliberation.
This morning, it was announced that Metropolitan Joseph of the USA, Canada, and Australia withdrew from the election due to his age of 83 years.
The Holy Synod, consisting of 14 Metropolitans, conducted today’s voting in secret.
The elected Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia must meet specific criteria, including being a serving diocesan Metropolitan, at least 50 years old, having governed a diocese for at least five years, and demonstrating strong Orthodox faith and adherence to church order.
Several Metropolitans, including Antony of Western and Central Europe, Seraphim of Nevrokop, Cyprian of Stara Zagora, and Yakov of Dorostol, did not meet the age or experience requirements for election.
Metropolitan Grigory of Vratsa received 11 votes, while Metropolitans Daniil of Vidin and Gavriil of Lovchan each received 9 votes, meeting the two-thirds majority required for consideration as Patriarch.
The election and enthronement of the new Patriarch of Bulgaria are set for Sunday, June 30, in Sofia, with the presence of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
The Ecumenical Patriarch expressed gratitude for the invitation and adjusted his schedule to attend the historic event.
The enthronement of the new Bulgarian Patriarch will take place on the same day at the Patriarchal Cathedral “St. Alexander Nevsky.”
