The Church of Greece has made public the decision of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Patriarchate to defrock Presbyter Stanimir Georgiev Yanakiev for canonical violations, leading to his return to the ranks of the laity.
This announcement has been shared with the Archdiocese of Athens and the Metropolises of the Church of Greece for their awareness and any necessary follow-up.
Official Circular from the Church of Greece:
Through this official communication, in reference to letter No. 745/18.11.2024 from Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria, it is hereby conveyed that Presbyter Silvestros (Stanimir) Georgiev Yanakiev, a cleric of the Bulgarian Patriarchate, has been defrocked by the decision of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Patriarchate due to canonical violations. Consequently, he has been returned to the laity.
We are relaying this canonical decision of the Bulgarian Patriarchate to you for your information and any required actions.
Authorized by the Holy Synod,
The Chief Secretary
Archimandrite Ioannis Karamouzis
Translation by: Konstantinos Menyktas