Holy Synod

In a decision echoing the broader geopolitical concerns, Bulgaria's Holy Synod has opted to forgo the traditional journey to Israel to obtain the Holy Fire this year, Metropolitan Cyprian of Stara Zagora announced, as reported by BTA.

The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church convened on Tuesday to address the vacancy left by the passing of Patriarch Neophyte, who served as the spiritual leader of Bulgaria and Metropolitan of Sofia. According to reports from the Bulgarian National Radio, the Synod's primary agenda was the election of a temporary head to oversee the Church's affairs during this transition period.

The Russian Patriarch Kirill published condolences on the website of the Russian Orthodox Church yesterday evening regarding the passing of the Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte.

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church and the Council of Ministers have unveiled the schedule for the funeral proceedings of Patriarch Neophyte, who passed away on Wednesday evening after battling a lung ailment at the Military Medical Academy in Sofia. The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church announced that the public can pay their respects to the late patriarch on Friday at St.

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church faces a period of transition following the untimely death of Patriarch Neophyte. In an extraordinary meeting convened by the Holy Synod today, discussions centered on determining the temporary leadership of the church, as well as setting crucial dates for pilgrimage and burial arrangements for the late patriarch.

The public statement on Thursday by Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece that the Church of Greece would agree to the baptism of children of same-sex couples when they grow up, if they so desire, surprised senior clerics, who referred to his address just two days ago at the meeting of the Holy Synod, where he had stressed that the Hierarchy will speak in one voice.

As was expected, the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, which convened on Tuesday, was unanimous in its opposition to the legalization of same-sex marriage and equally unanimous regarding the next steps it will take.

The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece is set to vote unanimously against same-sex marriage legislation at its extraordinary meeting on Tuesday. 

Greece's center-right government said Thursday it would fulfill a commitment to legalize same-sex marriage, sidestepping staunch opposition from the country's influential Orthodox Church.

The legislation would be brought to parliament during the house's current term, which ends in 2027, said government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis.

Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte has been admitted to the Military Medical Academy due to a lung ailment, as confirmed by the office of the Holy Synod on the Bulgarian Orthodox Church's website.