“ANAXIOS!” — Bartholomew Greeted by Protests in Bulgaria (VIDEO)

ΕΑΝ ΠΡΟΤΙΜΑΤΕ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΠΑΤΗΣΤΕ ΤΗ ΣΗΜΑΙΑ ΣΤΟ ΚΑΤΩ ΜΕΡΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΘΟΝΗΣ

Rila Monastery Faces a Crucial Test Tomorrow.  Bulgarian Orthodox faithful challenge the Patriarch of Constantinople over Ukraine, ecumenism, and his planned concelebration at Bulgaria’s holiest monastery. (TO BE UPDATED)

By Helleniscope’s Editorial Team

“ANAXIOS! ANAXIOS!” — “Unworthy! Unworthy!”

These cries greeted Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew as he arrived Saturday, October 17, at the Synodal Palace in Sofia, where Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel and members of the Holy Synod waited to receive him.

Bulgarian Orthodox faithful gathered outside the building, shouting the traditional Greek expression of rejection, “Anaxios,” as the Constantinople delegation approached. Bartholomew reportedly smiled and offered the protesters his episcopal blessing before entering the palace.

Inside, the atmosphere was decidedly different. Patriarch Daniel welcomed his guest with expressions of brotherhood and Orthodox unity, while Bartholomew emphasized peace, ecclesiastical cooperation, and the historical bonds between Constantinople and Bulgaria.

Yet the protests revealed deep divisions beneath the ceremonial exchanges.

The visit commemorates the 1,150th anniversary of the birth and the 1,080th anniversary of the repose of St. John of Rila, Bulgaria’s beloved national saint.

The greatest controversy, however, concerns tomorrow, Monday, October 19, when Bartholomew is scheduled to concelebrate the Divine Liturgy with Patriarch Daniel at the sacred Rila Monastery.

Opposition to this event began weeks before Bartholomew’s arrival.

Bulgarian priests, monks, nuns, and lay faithful organized an open letter and petition asking the Holy Synod to reconsider the planned concelebration. By late September, organizers reported more than 2,100 signatures. The online petition now displays approximately 2,364 signatures.

The appeal was formally submitted to the Bulgarian Holy Synod on September 30.

Its signatories accuse Bartholomew of departing from Orthodox ecclesiastical tradition through his ecumenical initiatives and his 2019 recognition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. They see his actions as divisive throughout Orthodoxy and object to his presiding over the Eucharist at Rila.

These accusations represent the petitioners’ theological and canonical position, which Constantinople disputes.

On Sunday, October 18, the two patriarchs attended the Divine Liturgy at Sofia’s St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and prayed rather than presided over the Eucharistic celebration. Both publicly appealed for peace and unity.

But tomorrow’s liturgy at Rila Monastery marks a different, more consequential moment.

For the protesting faithful, the historic monastery represents Bulgaria’s spiritual inheritance and fidelity to Orthodox tradition. For the two patriarchates, the planned concelebration symbolizes ecclesiastical communion.

The Orthodox world will closely watch whether the ceremony proceeds as announced—and whether further protests accompany it.

References

1. OFFNews — Protest at the Synodal Palace (Oct. 17) — Documents the “Anaxios” chants, the protesters and Bartholomew’s response, with photographs.
2. Original Bulgarian Petition Against the Rila Monastery Visit — Full text of the clergy and faithful’s appeal to the Holy Synod, including signatures.
3. Union of Orthodox Journalists — Petition Submitted to the Holy Synod (Sept. 30) — Reports the formal submission of the petition and more than 2,100 signatures.
4. Darik Bulgaria — Opposition to Bartholomew at Rila Monastery (Sept. 21) — Details objections concerning ecumenism, Orthodox tradition and Ukraine.
5. Bulgarian Patriarchate — Official Reception, Photos and Videos (Oct. 17) — Official account of Bartholomew’s reception by Patriarch Daniel.
6. Bulgarian Patriarchate — Official October 17–19 Program — Confirms the October 19 Divine Liturgy at Rila Monastery.
7. Bulgarian National Television — Cathedral Liturgy (Oct. 18) — Video coverage and statements from both patriarchs concerning peace and unity.
8. Helleniscope — More Than 2,000 Bulgarian Faithful Oppose Bartholomew (Oct. 1) — Earlier coverage of the signature campaign and the controversy surrounding Rila Monastery.

October 18, 2026, www.helleniscope.com, n.stamatakis@aol.com

DISCLAIMER: The views and statements expressed in this article constitute constitutionally protected opinions of this author.

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