"This was a move by Metropolitan Nikolai to make a little advertisement for himself. Moreover, as we are facing elections, Euro-Atlanticism is very much in vogue. Patriarch Bartholomew as a person behind whom the State Department stands – it is very prestigious to be on good terms with him. Metropolitan Nicholas went to worship him there and to understand each other, to get support. Now he is already a fan of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. They served with these Ukrainians, whom the Bulgarian Church did not recognize – this is a violation of the canons".
This was stated before the BNR by the theologian Prof. Ivan Zhelev. He commented on the election of the new Sliven Metropolitan Arsenii.
It is said and written that among the three on the short list for the election of the new patriarch will be Metropolitan Nicholas, Metropolitan John and Metropolitan Grigoriy of Vrachan. Metropolitan Nahum of Ruse is also mentioned, Metropolitan Gavriil of Lovchan should not be excluded, the theologian specified in the program "Before all" on our national radio.
"There are so many things the Church should do for ordinary people. The church is for the burdened and burdened", the theologian recalled.
Prof. Ivan Zhelev also expressed hope that in the upcoming election of a new patriarch, some of the diocesan representatives will vote according to their conscience.