Metropolitan Nikolai of Plovdiv has confirmed that he will not be seeking the position of the new Patriarch of Bulgaria. He made this announcement to reporters, stating that he will not be a candidate in the upcoming elections for the Primate of the Bulgarian Church following the passing of Patriarch Neophyte.
During the reception of the newly elected Metropolitan Arsenij of Sliven in Burgas, Metropolitan Nikolai reiterated his decision, clarifying that he will not be the new Patriarch and that he is unsure who will take on the role. Reports from Bulgarian media indicate that he has not confirmed whether he formally withdrew his candidacy.
Metropolitan Arsenij of Sliven confirmed that “Metropolitan Nikolai has definitively decided not to participate in the elections for the new Patriarch of Bulgaria.” He also emphasized the importance of their visit to Burgas, stating, “We have come to this beautiful city to offer our blessings to all its residents with a message of peace.”
It is important to remember that Metropolitan Nikolai had announced his decision early on not to run for the position of the next Patriarch of Bulgaria. He also criticized the media speculation surrounding the succession process, which began even before Patriarch Neophyte’s body was laid to rest for the faithful to pay their respects.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas