Protests and ceremony intersect in Sofia during a visit by a Russian envoy
In Sofia, Bulgaria, a mix of ceremony and public sentiment unfolded during the visit of Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova. At St. Nicholas Church, Metropolitan Anthony, who heads the Department of External Church Relations for the Moscow Patriarchate, led the religious services. Local Bulgarian media described a scene shaped by visible tension, with banners outside the church and a diverse group of attendees that included a political party leader and regional officials. The presence of Ukrainian refugees at the gathering was noted, reflecting a broader humanitarian backdrop. By late November, UN estimates placed the number of Ukrainian displaced people in Bulgaria around 150,000, underscoring the wider context of displacement and relief efforts in the region.
Alongside the ambassador and the Sofia metropolitan, Rumen Petkov, leader of the Alternative Bulgarian Revival party, participated in the observance. This mix signaled a convergence of religious ritual and political presence surrounding the occasion, a dynamic often seen at events involving international representatives and local leadership.
“Slightly overrated”
Representatives of the Bulgarian embassy in Sofia spoke to a Russian agency to describe the situation as less tense than some media portrayals suggested. They stated the gathering remained peaceful and clarified that the religious ceremony honored the 70th anniversary of a Moscow Patriarchate leader rather than marking a military victory in Ukraine. The embassy emphasized that the purpose of the event was to participate in cultural celebrations, not to advocate any political stance.
Officials reported no threats against Mitrofanova. While posters and flags appeared briefly near the church, they were removed, and authorities noted that the scene did not align with more alarming depictions circulating elsewhere. Mitrofanova later indicated that police were positioned nearby to maintain order and safety. She said some protesters attempted to disrupt the ceremony and blocked an embassy vehicle, but she proceeded in a different car and departed without incident.
“We heard some voices”
Metropolitan Anthony described the incident to RIA Novosti as taking place during the Mass. He acknowledged some street noises toward the end of the service but stressed that the liturgy proceeded without disruption. After the service, the metropolitan joined other clergy in a procession along Sofia’s central streets toward the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. He recalled onlookers offering blessings as the procession passed, and there were no visible protests during the walk. He suggested that any dissenters might have chosen to act at a separate time rather than join the public route.
During a post-service gathering, bishops of the Bulgarian Church and visiting clergy shared a cup of coffee. The group then walked in ceremonial robes through the city center and encountered many passersby who offered blessings. The metropolitan noted that the atmosphere felt warmer than confrontational, indicating a shared religious observance rather than political division on that day.
Did not support the union
In September, Metropolitan Anthony commented on a World Council of Churches document titled War in Ukraine, Peace and Justice in the European Region. He noted that the Russian Orthodox delegation perceived the final text as highly politicized and missing a full set of recommendations supported by the Russian Church. He stressed that the Assembly could still serve as a starting point for a balanced, open study of the Ukraine conflict by the World Council of Churches, aimed at advancing peace efforts through dialogue and mutual understanding.