His Holiness, the Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel, recently met with the US Ambassador to Bulgaria, Kenneth Merten, to discuss the alarming restrictions faced by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in Ukraine. The meeting, which took place at the request of the American ambassador, highlighted the importance of religious freedom and the need for democratic forces to address the discriminatory policies affecting the UOC.
During the meeting, Patriarch Daniel emphasized the serious factual and legal limitations imposed on the UOC in Ukraine, including restrictions on religious freedom, freedom of worship, seizure of church property, and promotion of hate speech. He expressed his confidence that democratic forces around the world would work towards guaranteeing religious freedom and supporting the rights of the UOC.
The Bulgarian Patriarch also highlighted the long-standing cooperation between the Bulgarian Orthodox diocese in the United States and American authorities. He emphasized the growing role of the Orthodox Church in the United States, noting that more Americans are joining the church and that its pastoral and spiritual work continues to expand among the American people.
Ambassador Merten congratulated Patriarch Daniel on his election as Bulgarian Patriarch and expressed his deep respect for the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. He acknowledged the essential role of the church in the spiritual upbringing of the Bulgarian people and in overcoming historical challenges, such as foreign domination and the saving of Bulgarian Jews during World War II.
Patriarch Daniel and Ambassador Merten discussed the state of religious freedom and the right to religious belief in different regions of the world. Patriarch Daniel emphasized the importance of religious peace in European history and stressed the need for political and social peace to be built on a foundation of religious freedom.
In conclusion, the meeting between Patriarch Daniel and Ambassador Merten underscored the importance of protecting religious freedom and supporting the rights of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. It highlighted the need for democratic forces to address discriminatory policies and ensure that all individuals have the right to worship freely and without fear of persecution. The dialogue between the Bulgarian Patriarch and the American ambassador serves as a reminder of the importance of religious tolerance and cooperation in promoting peace and understanding among different faith communities.