Today, the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Patriarchate will vote on the election of the Triprosopo, which will ultimately decide the new Patriarch of Bulgaria on June 30.
To be eligible for the position, candidates must be at least 50 years old, have served as Metropolitan for a minimum of five years, adhere to Orthodox beliefs, and lead a virtuous life.
Nine Metropolitans meet these criteria, and the successor to Patriarch Neophyte will be elected and enthroned on June 30 in the presence of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
“By secret ballot, the three metropolitans who receive a two-thirds majority of the 14 metropolitans will be presented to the Patriarchal Election Synod next week,” said Metropolitan Kyprianos of Stara (Old) Zagora, the spokesman of the Holy Synod. There is uncertainty regarding the participation of Metropolitan Nikolai of Plovdiv, as he recently announced that he will not be a candidate in the upcoming election for the Primate of the Bulgarian Church.
The election of the next Patriarch of Bulgaria – An insight into the process
Following the passing of Patriarch Neophyte, the Church of Bulgaria must appoint a new Patriarch within four months.
The election process is governed by specific regulations outlined in the Church Statute. The Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia must be at least 50 years old, have served as a Metropolitan for a minimum of five years, and demonstrate unwavering faith in Orthodox principles.
The election is conducted by the Patriarchal Ecclesiastical Council, comprising Metropolitans, Bishops, representatives from dioceses and monasteries, and other designated individuals.
After the Patriarch’s passing, the Holy Synod is temporarily chaired by the senior member of the Metropolitan Council. The Vice-President is elected within seven days to oversee the affairs of the Patriarchate until the new Patriarch is elected.
The exact date for the Patriarchal Election Council meeting is determined by the Holy Synod, and candidates for the Patriarchal Throne are selected by secret ballot with a two-thirds majority vote from the Holy Synod members.
The election of the Patriarch then takes place in the Patriarchal Elective Ecclesiastical Council, with the Vice-President leading the proceedings and declaring the newly elected Patriarch of Bulgaria and Metropolitan of Sofia.
A decree is drawn up and signed by the Election Office and assembly members, officially marking the conclusion of the Patriarchal Electoral Ecclesiastical Assembly.
The Holy Synod initiates a prayer of gratitude and proceeds with the ceremonial enthronement of the recently elected Patriarch of Bulgaria. Following this, the Holy Synod officially discloses the name of the new Patriarch to the leaders of the local Orthodox Churches, the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Speaker of Parliament, the Prime Minister, and the general public.
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