Bulgarian Orthodox Church defrocks Archimandrite Dionysius following Holy Synod Decision

The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has upheld the decision to defrock Archimandrite Dionysius (Mishev), following disciplinary proceedings concerning repeated public insults, defamatory statements against clergy and conduct deemed inappropriate for his ecclesiastical rank.

Meeting on October 2, 2026, the Holy Synod, sitting in its full composition as an ecclesiastical court, examined the case against Archimandrite Dionysius and confirmed the ruling issued by the Sofia Diocesan Ecclesiastical Court on September 1, 2026.

The decision imposes the penalty of deposition from holy orders without excommunication from the Church.

Nine members of the Holy Synod voted in favor of the decision, including Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel and Metropolitans Gregory of Veliko Tarnovo, Ignatius of Pleven, Gabriel of Lovech, Anthony of Western and Central Europe, John of Varna and Veliki Preslav, Seraphim of Nevrokop, Gregory of Vratsa and Pachomius of Vidin.

Four hierarchs voted against the decision and submitted dissenting opinions: Metropolitans Naum of Ruse, Cyprian of Stara Zagora, Jacob of Dorostol and Arseny of Sliven.

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