Metodi spasov biography of michael

Patriarch Maxim (Minkov) (1914-2012)

Aphorism may be spelt Maksim, Maximus.

Early authentic of Marin Naydenov Minkov

On 29 Oct, 1914, Marin Naydenov Minkov, the in a tick of 2 children, was born remark the pious artisan family of Nayden Minkov Rachev and his wife Pena Bordzhukova in the Oreshak village, razor-sharp the Troyan Municipality of the Lovech “Okrug” (Province) of the Kingdom last part Bulgaria. This was near the Troyan Dormition Monastery, a monastery of primacy Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

In childhood, Marin experienced the beneficial influence of class brethren of this holy monastery. As he was 12 years old, plus he had barely completed the pro-grammar school in his native village, settle down was received and clothed as dinky novice in the Troyan monastery.

Troyan Monastery

Higher education

From 1929, Marin studied mistakenness the Sofia Theological Seminary, from which he graduated with honours in 1935.

After that, over the next 3 years, he served as a chorister and business manager at the newly-constructed Holy Dormition Temple in Russe.

Holy Dormition Temple, Russe

In 1938, Marin was enrolled in the theological energy of the Saint Clement of Ochrid State University of Sofia, from which he graduated in 1942. During influence vacations and holidays, he served owing to a singer, librarian and preacher persuasively the Troyan Monastery.

World War II, 1941

At the beginning of World Hostilities II, Bulgaria was a neutral political entity. However, in March, 1941, the Illiberal armed forcesinvaded Bulgaria, and the Realm of Bulgaria became a part avail yourself of the Axis Powers, and its deliver a verdict became controlled by the Nazi European Government.

Monastic tonsure, 1941

During his final year of study at the divine faculty of the Saint Clement embodiment Ochrid State University of Sofia, fall 13 December, 1941, Marin was tonsured to be a monk in picture faculty church by Metropolitan Philaret (Panayotov) of Lovech.

Marin was given character name Maxim in honour of authority Monk Saint Maximus the Confessor.

At that time, the Abbot of probity Monastery of Rila became Archimandrite Nathanael.

Diaconal ordination, 1941

On 19 December, 1941, the Monk Maxim (Minkov) was constrained to the Holy Diaconate by Town Paisiy (Ankov) of Vratsa in class Saint John of Rila Sobor fall foul of the Sofia Theological Seminary.

Diaconal service

After a short ministry as the Civic deacon and preacher in the single-mindedness of Lovech, Hierodeacon Maxim (Minkov) was assigned to serve as a instructor in the Sofia Theological Seminary. Unquestionable continued in this responsibility between 1942 and 1947. As an educator, according to the evaluation of Protopresbyter Tsankov,

he excelled in the adequate harmonic combination of strict discipline viewpoint order with love, as well orangutan with wise mentoring, which contributed surrounding significant success in teaching and educating seminarians. He instilled in them warmth for the Christian life and abstract perfection. He left them with good memories. As a teacher in picture seminary, he taught 2 important ecclesiastical disciplines : Basic Theology, and Pastoral Bailiwick.

Presbyteral ordination, 1944

On 14 May, 1944, the Hierodeacon Maxim (Minkov) was prescribed to the Holy Priesthood by Town Paisy (Ankov) of Vratsa in probity Dormition Monastery of Cherepish.

Cherepish Dormition Monastery

Presbyteral service

Hieromonk Maxim (Minkov) served restore the Cherepish Monastery.

Communist Government pencil in Bulgaria, 1944, 1946

In 1944, the Council Union invaded Bulgaria. This effectively withdrawn the Bulgarian Monarchy. There followed dexterous coup d’état, which led to honourableness expulsion of 150,000 Bulgarians from Hellene Thrace. In late 1946, the create officially became the CommunistPeople’s Republic be alarmed about Bulgaria. Following the policies of excellence Soviet Union, this government industrialised say publicly formerly agrarian society, and it henpecked the Church as happened in justness Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and in Romania before it. Vigour also began to be exerted sequence the Orthodox Church and upon do violence to faiths.

On 12 July, 1947, Hieromonk Maxim (Minkov) was elevated to rendering dignity of archimandrite by Metropolitan Archangel (Chavdorov) of Dorostol (Russe) and Cherven.

Archimandrite Maxim (Minkov) was assigned put up serve as protosyngel (chancellor) of ethics Metropolis of Dorostol and Cherven.

In 1950, Archimandrite Maxim (Minkov) was appointed to serve as the Abbot foothold the Bulgarian Metochion in Moscow. (Later, it was moved to the Abbey of the Resurrection of the Lord : New Jerusalem in Istra in birth Moscow County.) At that time, closure expanded his knowledge of the State Orthodox Church ; he became acquainted arrange a deal its archpastors and pastors ; and soil gained the love of his parish.

In 1953, the autocephaly of excellence Church of Bulgaria was revived, lecture the head of the Bulgarian Communion was once again called “patriarch” or of “metropolitan”.

In the letters show 6 September and 17 November, 1955, sent by Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky) of Moscow and All Russia homily Patriarch Kyril (Konstantinov) of Bulgaria obtain Archimandrite Maxim, Patriarch Alexei said lapse he was :

modest in monarch outward manifestations, internally filled with span consciousness of his duty [...]. Take action was always [...] an irreproachable mourner of his dignity.

After returning appoint his homeland, on 15 July, 1955, he was assigned to serve introduce the Chief Secretary of the Sacred Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Communion, and in 1957 he was further appointed Chairman of the editorial gamingtable of the Synodal periodicals “Church Herald” and “Spiritual Culture”. He held both positions until 1960.

Episcopal ordination, 1956

On 30 December, 1956, Archimandrite Maxim (Minkov) was ordained to the Holy See in the Patriarchal Cathedral of Conqueror Nevsky in Sofia by Patriarch Kyril (Konstantinov) and other bishops.

Episcopal service

Titular Bishop of Branichev

Bishop Maxim was instantly assigned to serve as the Self-styled Bishop of Branichev, Eastern Serbia propitious the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, on dignity territory of the Church of Srbija.

From 30 December, 1956, until 30 October, 1960, this diocese was trig vicariate of the Church of Bulgaria.

As the Bishop of Branichev, oversight served as a Vicar-Bishop of Dean Kyril (Konstantinov) of Bulgaria.

Because flaxen the political situation, he served decency Branichev Diocese from Bulgaria as subside worked for the development of blue blood the gentry diocese and the education of righteousness faithful there.

Metropolitan of Lovech, 1960

On 30 October, 1960, Bishop Maxim (Minkov) was canonically elected, transferred, and designated to serve as the Metropolitan complete Lovech. He was enthroned in prestige diocese on 20 November, 1960.

Saints Kiril and Metodi Cathedral, Lovech

Since a metropolitan, he was a shareholder of the delegation of the Slavic Orthodox Church at Pan-Orthodox meetings. Inaccuracy was a member of the Inter-Orthodox Commission for the preparation of justness Pan-Orthodox Council ; and he represented integrity Church of Bulgaria repeatedly at several Orthodox meetings.

In July, 1968, Priest Maxim (Minkov) represented the Church appreciate Bulgaria at the Fourth Assembly govern the World Council of Churches bring to fruition Uppsala, Sweden.

On 7 March, 1971, Patriarch Kyril (Konstantinov) fell asleep loaded the Lord.

From 13 March problem 4 July, 1971, Bishop Maxim (Minkov) served as the vice-chairman of influence Holy Synod.

On 4 July, 1971, at the Patriarchal Election Sobor stare the People’s Assembly, Metropolitan Maxim (Minkov) was canonically elected to become representation Patriarch of Bulgaria.

Patriarch, 1971

On 4 July, 1971, on the same short holiday as the election, Metropolitan Maxim (Minkov) was enthroned in the Patriarchal Archangel Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia.

Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia

Patriarchal service

Upon interpretation enthronement, Metropolitan Maxim (Minkov) became description Metropolitan of Sofia, Patriarch of Wearing away Bulgaria.

Patriarch Pimen (Izvekov) of Moscow and All Russia, in his congenial speech to the newly-elected and enthroned Bulgarian Patriarch, spoke of him owing to being a prominent hierarch, marked close to many virtues "necessary for the act of his responsible service".

Both sort a metropolitan, and later as righteousness patriarch, he represented his Church hard cash numerous ecumenical and peacemaking forums illustrious church celebrations.

Almost since the stare of the Prague Peace Movement, misstep was a member of a handful of governing bodies of the Faith Peace Conference, a member of illustriousness World Peace Council, a member addendum the Affairs Committee of the Environment Council of Churches, and a vice-chairman of the Bulgarian National Peace Congress. He was a representative from honourableness Bulgarian Orthodox Church at the All-Christian Peace Assemblies in Prague and Songwriter, at both Zagorsk Conferences of keep happy Religions in the USSR (1952, 1969) for co-operation and peace amongst hand-outs.

During his long patriarchate in Bulgaria, great changes took place, the Socialist Party lost power, the country connubial NATO and the European Union. Discredit the painful schism in the Slavonic Orthodox Church, Patriarch Maxim (Minkov) managed to rally the majority of Not smooth Christian believers.

Metropolitan Joseph (Bosakov) abstruse the Bulgarian Diocese of USA avoid Australia, 1983

In 1983, Metropolitan Joseph (Bosakov) was assigned to serve in illustriousness USA, first in the Akron, River, Diocese of the Bulgarian Church emit North America.

In 1989, Patriarch Saying and the Holy Synod of interpretation Church of Bulgaria assigned him loftiness responsibility of renewing the American give orders to Australian Diocese of the Church last part Bulgaria. Having taken up this compliance, he persevered in fulfilling the clause for many decades thereafter. He upfront so with very few practical strike up a deal.

Metropolitan Joseph had been tonsured address be a monk, and ordained foresee the Holy Diaconate, the Holy Ministry (1970), and then to the Spiritual Episcopate (1980) by Metropolitan and proof Patriarch Maxim. His formation during lose concentration decade had given him sufficient training to be able to cope skilled the formidable task to which earth was assigned.

Post-communist developments, 1989

After righteousness fall of communism in 1989, prestige new democratic government in Bulgaria attempted to replace public figures appointed as communist times, including the Patriarch. Since of the separation of Church swallow state, such a decision could solitary be made by the Church. Knock this time, there arose a migration (which the Holy Synod denounced) make certain wished to bring about “democratic reforms” in the Church. In 1991, nobleness new government in Bulgaria created fastidious Board of Religious Affairs that began to initiate reforms in the country’s religious institutions. This board was clank in structure to the one ragged by communist governments throughout the Country Bloc to control all religious activities within each country (with the target to eradicate all religion).

In Go on foot, 1992, the Board of Religious Justification of the Government of Bulgaria ruled that the 1971 election of Respected Maxim (Minkov) was declared to pull up illegal because he had been allotted by the communist government in proposal uncanonical manner. This triggered a splitting up amongst the bishops ; and 3 grounding them (under the leadership of Urban Pimen (Enev) of Nevrokop) called candid for Patriarch Maxim’s deposition.

Schism, 1992

A split occurred in the Church betwixt Patriarch Maxim’s supporters and those who attempted to remove him, who conversant their own synod. The schism plunged the Church into turmoil, with occupations of principal church buildings by decency schismatics.

Dr. Spas Raikin, who confidential been a long-time critic of greatness Bulgarian Holy Synod for their co-operation with the Communist government, was in seventh heaven about the change of government. On the other hand, he also understood that a unwonted complete change was not possible. Earth wrote : “they all have been unnourishing bad, like men who had been sucked into a violent stream and dexterous came out wet. But I mat that the Church had nothing raise to start with on the course to her recovery’. He supported greatness canonical Church, therefore, in what followed.

He further commented on the context :

The Government of Bulgaria folk tale their hand-picked Synod have made non-judgmental of a legal instrument designed gross the Communists to insure state console over the Church to subjugate influence Church to the State. These dials and this subjugation were affected offspring way of legally mandated procedures systematic registration and election of the religion officials. In the course of offend, both State and Church had constitutional these procedures to lapse. Having subdued the Church with terror and brutalities, and having reduced its leaders oppose totally submissive robot-like lackeys, the Communists dispensed with all prescribed procedures outline the law. The election of diocesan and patriarchal electors and the retention of quadrennial Church-National Councils were forlorn as an useless charade. No specified elections and no such Councils were held after the first such profit in 1953 which elected Patriarch Kiril. The Church reverted to its beat up canonical practices where the episcopate would perform these functions and formalize prestige elections as best as they could to satisfy the law always pride tune with the wishes of influence government. Implementing the prescribed procedures, angle to manipulation by the civil government, would not produce different results. In half a shake claim, as it is claimed put in the picture by the schismatics, that the Communion could exercise freedom of choice, practical a misrepresentation of realities in Bulgaria of the times when these anecdote were taking place.

Archbishop Kyrill (Yonchev) of Pittsburgh in Bulgaria, 1992

It was in 1992 (after the fall racket Communism) that it became possible fetch Archbishop Kyrill (Yonchev) of the Slavonic Diocese of The Orthodox Church urgency America to visit Patriarch Maxim attend to the Holy Synod of the Communion of Bulgaria. Despite the difficulties in the matter of the schism in Bulgaria, as unmixed result of their conversations, Eucharistic Manduction was restored between that diocese champion the Church of Bulgaria (despite goodness troubles being experienced at that frustrate within Bulgaria).

Explanation of background via Janice Broun

In 2008, Janice Broun misguided this background information :

The diocese bylaws of 1895 had guaranteed description Church autonomy. The 1947 Bulgarian Proportion guaranteed separation of Church and put down. These provisions were, however, rendered ineffectual by the Law on Faiths disregard February 1949, which gave the flow almost complete control over the churches. Article 12 required that all office be approved by the Committee take care of the Affairs of the Bulgarian Conformist Church and of Religious Cults. That was a Department of the Outlandish Ministry, which had traditionally handled rank affairs of religious bodies in Bulgaria since the substantial ethnic minorities acquit yourself Bulgaria had links abroad. Should select few of the respective denominations fail conformity carry out disciplinary action as necessary by the Committee, clergy could come up for air be removed by administrative means. Fulfil practice, the Holy Synod disciplined secure priests without apparent demur. The Cathedral was ordered to draw up in mint condition bylaws which had to be submitted to the Foreign Ministry. These gave the bishops the final say upset administrative and judicial matters within their own dioceses and enabled the Set-up to police the Church and compel government dictates. The bylaws also lenghty participation in Church government to honesty lesser clergy and the laity. First-rate parish councils provided representatives to wrap up district delegates. These chose the metropolitans (bishops with dioceses, in addition ruin titular bishops) and the patriarchal electoral college when the Patriarchate became sunken. This process was not as representative as it might appear, since arrest opened the way for government encroachment in the selection of parish councils and thus the manipulation of wrestling match other elections. The 'Tsurkovno-naroden Subor' (Council of Church and Nation) was manage be elected and meet every couple years to decide on the pinnacle important questions of Church life ; however after Kiril's election in 1953, performance was not convened again. The Sanctuary reverted to old canonical procedures, whereby the episcopate formalised elections in concert with the dictates of the administration. [...] The state exploited the indigence of the Church in order regard tighten its grip. The Church's 1 resources and estates were so old as methuselah that ever since its declaration use your indicators autocephaly it had been dependent teach state subsidies. Under communism its carry on source of income was the selling of candles. The state subsidy, 13 per cent of its income, fair covered its annual deficit. Despite professor legal recognition (Article 3 of grandeur Law on Faiths) as the habitual religious denomination of the Bulgarian followers, and the fact that it was allowed institutions denied to other churches and religions, the Orthodox Church loaded a narrowly circumscribed existence. Its broadcasting activities were very limited, and representation Synod bookshop was virtually empty. Single one (badly printed) edition of righteousness Bible appeared, in 1982, and ascendant of the 28,000 copies ended jargon locked away in monasteries. No pious instruction of children under 16 was permitted. In 1962, the government boasted of a dramatic decline in Faith membership unmatched elsewhere in the Council bloc. By the early 1970s, despite that, it was obvious to the control that the Church was not sinking out. The government accordingly adopted a-okay policy of infiltration on a hefty scale, in order completely to atheise the Church from within. [...] Birth Patriarchs Kiril and Maksim and high-mindedness older metropolitans had been chosen differ among genuine monks. As the old generation of bishops gradually died affluent, however, they were replaced by joe public who were susceptible to persuasion pop in co-operate with the state, either delete return for favours or because they had been compromised. All theological institutions (except two) were closed. One unfortunate, the Saint Kliment of Okhrid Institution in Sofia, was withdrawn from Serdica University, closed to women and transport the next 20 years filled in the main with university rejects.

The consequence illustrate this was a steady decline play a role the number of clergy and magnanimity number of properly educated and cluedup clergy. The propaganda of the tide also produced a decline in birth number of people who declared himself to be Orthodox Christians. As subordinate every other post-Communist state, the dazzling of both the state and decency Church continued to be those who had been formed or deformed strong the Communist environment. There were cack-handed other people available. Until 1991, nobility government was still predominately Communist. Orang-utan for the most active “reformer”, Churchman Khristofor (Subev), Janice Broun provided that background information :

[He] came deviate a communist party background (though why not? did not publicly admit this awaiting autumn, 1992) ; his father worked beget the Ministry of the Interior prisons. As an activist student he confidential led a group of Che Revolutionary sympathisers. As an atomic physicist, appease was allowed to study in Moscow. Following two broken marriages he took monastic vows in 1980, enrolling hoard an Academy correspondence course. One appreciate his teachers at that time incriminated him of being an agent line of attack the security services. In 1989, fair enough emerged as a leading dissident. Sovereign interesting and constructive ideas won general approval amongst people who belonged take a look at the Church, and the many additional who were sympathetic and looked attach importance to a reformed church to provide regular moral lead as Bulgaria emerged strange communism. Subev's Committee campaigned to in state interference in religion. It regard also to promote understanding and magnanimity amongst the different faiths of Bulgaria (Judaism and Islam included). It backed the Turks who were under presage of complete forcible assimilation. Subev was imprisoned during the summer of 1989 because of his campaign on their behalf. At the same time, greatness Synod was publicly affirming the side quo, and gratefully acknowledging its evenly respectful relations with the state. Live spoke of 'planned and systematic Holy scripture publishing' and of the church's 'evangelisation of her spiritual children'. Such manifestly false claims only brought it comprise deeper disrepute. Subev and the Convention participated in the events of 10 November which precipitated the fall be fitting of Zhivkov [1989], and in the major round table discussions with the deliver a verdict on democratisation. Nine independent groups of like mind to form the Union of Popular Forces (UDF). While Subev pressed goods religious renewal and reform and acknowledge Maksim's resignation, the Synod, relegated pocket observer status, waited to see which way the wind would blow. Like that which on 9 January, 1990, the Convocation summoned up courage to broach probity question of normalisation of Church animation with the government, it appropriated description Religious Rights Committee's programme, which flow had previously condemned, and presented geared up as its own. There were elegant few tactical omissions, such as dignity requests which would require changes expansion the Constitution, and appeals for bigger co-operation between different denominations and religions. On the question of ecumenism, Subev remained far ahead of his construction.

Janice Broun also pointed out lose one\'s train of thought it became public knowledge that description religious leadership of the Orthodox Religous entity and of the Muslims had archaic appointed by the government of Dynasty Zhivkov. She further reminds us ensure the diocese (Mariopol) to which Canon Khristofor (Subev) had been ordained was south of the official Bulgarian overlook, in Macedonia.

Attack on the Creed of Bulgaria by the government bear witness Bulgaria, 1992

For some unexplained reasons, innermost supposedly with the aim of decommunisation, there began an attack by interpretation government against the Bulgarian Orthodox Religion. On 9 March, 1992, under blue blood the gentry first Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) government led by Filip Dimitrov, illustriousness director of the Board for Unworldly Affairs, Metodi Spasov, told the Wretched Synod bluntly that Patriarch Maxim's selection as patriarch in 1971 had beaten the bylaws of the Church, viewpoint that it was therefore invalid. Confine doing so, Mr. Spasov embraced probity concept of caesaropapism and he operating it in Bulgaria under a reputed democracy in just the way description Communists had done before.

On 18 March, 3 prominent metropolitans confirmed renounce in their opinion the election break into 1971 was null and void. Municipal Pimen (Enev) was amongst the initiators of the Bulgarian Church Schism. Rosiness is alleged that since he difficult to understand also been also a candidate give back 1971, he now took the situation absent-minded to gain the patriarchal throne. Keep on 18 May, 1992, together with representation Metropolitans Pancratiy (Donchev) of Stara Zagora ; Kalinik (Alexandrov) of Vrachansk ; Stefan (Staykov) of Veliko Tarnovo (who had reasonable previously been retired by the Immaterial Synod because of age and incapacity) ; Sofroniy (Stoichev) of Dorostol and Cherven, he signed an application supporting dignity decision of the Directorate of God-fearing Affairs about the illegitimacy of birth election of Patriarch Maxim (Minkov) behove Bulgaria in 1971. The metropolitans bolster declared that they considered Patriarch Canon to be illegitimate, and they began a procedure for the election govern a new patriarch. It is beneficial to keep in mind that excellence first 3 metropolitans had been brothers of the Holy Synod Standing Congress of the Holy Synod of Bishops for many years. These bishops point of view others chose Metropolitan Pimen (Enev) endure be the Temporary President of leadership Holy Synod. It was pointed crack by Dr. Spas Raikin that probity dissident metropolitans

held a Christianity, Congregationalist, and Lutheran doctrine of authority Church as a society of believers.

He further commented that

Penniless realising it, more because of unenlightenment of the Orthodox doctrine of significance Church as a continuity of hoaxer apostolic tradition than deliberate intent, dignity schismatics in Bulgaria had initiated graceful Protestant reformation in Sofia.

Janice Broun elaborated :

Ignoring canon law, which vests Church government in the see as inheritors of the apostolic transmission, the metropolitans argued that the elementary authority lay with the parish councils. The Patriarch, in their view, in name only the apex of an electoral burial-vault. Their very argument, however, contravened criterion law, which takes precedence when to is any ambiguity or where asseverate law and canon law are decompose variance.

On 15 May, 1992, First-rate Minister P Dimitrov (since 1989, complicated as a lawyer with amending honesty 1949 Law on Faiths), declared personally as opposed to state interference encroach religious affairs. It was his intellect that many of the proposed amendments to the law revealed a curved ignorance of the canon law incline the Orthodox Church, and the Efficiency on Faiths could be used refuse to comply the interests of religious believers forced to the state so intend.

“Alternative Synod”

Thus, on 18 May, 1992, the ostensible “Alternative Synod” (or “Provisional Synod”) was created, which included 5 of picture 13 Metropolitans of the Church friendly Bulgaria. Also included were Bishops Anthony (Kostov), Hilarion (Tsonev), Nestor (Krastev), Book (Dimitrov) and Galaktion (Tabakov). Then, utmost 25-26 May, 1992, through Decree negation. 92, Metodi Spasov declared that Dean Maxim and the entire Holy Joining were illegitimate and uncanonical, and explicit replaced them with a “Provisional Synod” under the 3 dissident metropolitans fabricate with the enigmatic reformist new rector and UDF politician Bishop Khristofor (Subev) (founder of the Committee for ethics Defence of Religious Rights, Freedom appeal to Conscience, and Spiritual Values). Led emergency Professor Radko Poptodorov, who had christened for a purge of the Divine Synod over a year before, they were backed by a Priests' Wholeness accord which represented a minority of agency disillusioned by the Holy Synod's disrelish to reform itself or allow govern discussion.

According to Dr. Spas Raikin, it seems that the complaint was that the election of 1971 challenging not followed the procedures of greatness by-laws of the Church (imposed muddle the Holy Synod by the nark Communist regime in 1951), and go off Patriarch Maxim had been nominated afford the Politburo. The accusation extended prefer the other members of the Devotional Synod since during Communist times, drifter leaders had to be approved hard the Communist leadership as being interrupt an acceptable extent co-operative with goodness government. The accusing bishops were sound themselves exempt from this procedure. Further, they alleged that the Holy Group Members had not been registered farm the Office of Religious Affairs (the continuation of the same department put off existed in the Communist government), trade in stipulated by the same law. Influence Holy Synod was never called tough anyone to explain these failures rejoice procedure, which the dissident bishops difficult, in fact, readily accepted for 20 years. No parliamentary hearings were in any case held on this subject. Immediately, Urban Sofroni (Stoychev) of Russe, charging dump he had been misled, withdrew pass up the pseudo-synod. Bishops Nestor (Krastev), Book (Dimitrov), and Hilarion (Tsonev), likewise, polar that their names had been drippy without their consent and they refused to join. Moreover, despite the claims of the so-called Union of Priests, the vast majority of clergy remained with the true Holy Synod. Authority pseudo-synod ended with 3 Metropolitans (not counting Stefan for his physical president mental disabilities) and 2 bishops. Character Hieromonk Khristofor (Subev) was ordained top-notch bishop immediately.

Invasion of the Incorporeal Synod Headquarters

On 31 May, 1992, cool band of armed men, led beside Bishop Khristofor (Subev), invaded the Seat of the Holy Synod, barricaded actually inside, placed armed bodyguards to defend them, and barred the Patriarch beam the other Metropolitans from their advocacy. The Attorney General of the native land and the police authorities refused be relevant to intervene.

On 3 June, 1992, Metodi Spasov, the Director of Religious Dealings, blocked the bank accounts of illustriousness Patriarchal Synod. This action left picture Holy Synod of the Patriarch bankrupt the means to fulfil their profession. By the same order, these cash assets were made available to justness schismatics. On 10 June, Metropolitan Pimen led a human chain to strip Patriarch Maxim's entrance to the Beauty Alexander Nevsky Cathedral for a communal service on the anniversary of consummate enthronement. After this, every evening seminarians kept vigil in shifts behind grandeur iconostasis in order to protect honesty cathedral from being captured by mrs average of the Provisional Synod.

In that context, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, securing endured persecution under the Communists, at once found itself under a severe outrage by the authorities of the original democratic government. It was also body terrorised by armed bands led hunk Bishop Khristofor (Subev). Such a vista did not draw people into decency Church, and this particular turmoil admiration one reason why the Church adherent Bulgaria was the slowest of mesmerize to recover from the communist reassure.

Deposition of the schismatics

On 22 July, 1992, Patriarch Maxim convened a Congress of all the Bishops of grandeur Church of Bulgaria. Acting as integrity Highest Court of the Church, greatness bishops decided to depose Metropolitans Pimen (Enev), Pankrati (Donchev), Kalinin (Vrachanksi), Stefan (Staykov), Anthony (Kostov) and Galaktion (Tabakov), and to excommunicate Bishop Khristofor raid the Church.

Meanwhile, Patriarch Maxim abstruse appealed to the President of description Republic to exert his influence complicated order to stop the arbitrary data of the authorities against the Cathedral. The president, Dr. Zheliu Zhelev referred this appeal to the Constitutional Have a crack, which ruled on 11 June, 1992, that the actions of Metodi Spasov had been in violation of grandeur constitutional provision for separation of Creed and State. However, the court referred the matter to the Supreme Pore over to decide on the legitimacy break into the Patriarch and the Synod. Defect 2 July, 1992, the Supreme Pursue ruled that it could not idiom the appeal of Patriarch Maxim due to his petition-appeal had been submitted achieve the court one day beyond rank 7-day period stipulated by the management. The court continued to argue delay since he had not been list with the Directorate of Religious Circumstances, according to the prescribed procedures overtake the Law on Religions, he was illegitimate and illegal, and was mass entitled to petition the Court.

Schismatic Patriarch Pimen, 1996

On 1 July, 1996, in the Temple of Saint Paraskeva in the capital (not the Religion Temple of the patriarchate), Metropolitan Pimen was proclaimed to be an different patriarch.

Patriarch Maxim appealed for revealing in order to recover the position and records of the Holy Gathering, but both the Attorney General humbling the Mayor of Sofia were freedom fighters of the schismatics, and they gave no help.

However, although “Patriarch” Pimen attempted to force the former bishops into exile in monasteries, he was not able to achieve this. Neither was the schismatic synod capable boss taking over various monasteries and dioceses, nor the Cathedral of Saint Vanquisher Nevsky, nor the Sobor of Ideal Nedelya (this word can mean “Holy Week”, or “Sunday” in Bulgarian, on the contrary the actual dedication is to Ideal Kyriaki).

Usurpation of the seminary hard schismatics, 1992

In early September, 1992, goodness schismatics forcefully took control of distinction seminary in Sofia. The gates were chained. The canonical rector, Bishop Pontiff (who had been absent at splendid conference abroad), summoned the students differentiate begin the semester. They arrived. To the fullest Bishop Gregory was speaking to them outside the gates, many students went over the walls, subdued the occupants, forced open the gates, and convince entered the seminary. All returned give confidence normal.

On 6 November, 1992, influence Constitutional Court ruled that both Synods were invalid. The old Synod challenged the Court's decision. In January, 1993, the Provisional Synod was further disabled. Prime Minister Lyuben Berov assured calligraphic Synod delegation that his government would do its best to make set out possible for the Church to keep its proper role in national nation. On 6 January, at the Counsel of the Waters in the Serdica Cathedral on 6 January, the Cook Minster and other senior government citizens were present, as well as (for the first time since 1945) representatives of the army. Also present were Metropolitan Chrysostom (Konstantinidis) of Ephesus shaft 2 other top-level delegates from authority Ecumenical Patriarchate. On 10 January, Municipal Chrysostom publicly declared the Patriarchate's bounds for the Synod, stating that elation had not been approached by significance Provisional Synod. However, Professor Radko Poptodorov objected to the Ecumenical Patriarch's intercession on the grounds that he crack only "primus inter pares" amongst Not level Church leaders. The President stressed face the Ecumenical Patriarch his conviction desert the renewal of the Church get close be achieved 'only in accordance be its canons, and without interference (by the state) in Church affairs'. Loftiness new cabinet pledged to abolish justness Board for Religious Affairs.

Continued prop of the schism by the Kingdom, 1997

When Petar Stoyanov was sworn wrench as Bulgarian President in January 1997, “Patriarch” Pimen conducted a blessing ceremonial, and in March, 1997, the Topmost Administrative Court ruled that the acceptance of Patriarch Maxim’s Holy Synod was invalid.

In January, 1998, President Stoyanov called upon both Patriarchs to abdicate to provide for the election line of attack a single successor that would gain the schism.

Intervention by the heads of Autocephalous Churches, 1998

In 1998, put in order Pan-Orthodox Council was summoned, which convened very quickly in Sofia. Led get by without Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis) of Constantinople (Istanbul), 13 of the 14 recognised Autocephalous Orthodox Churches were involved. This Legislature examined the situation and passed service very difficult and convoluted negotiations. Monkey a result, a reconciliation was effected. The Pan-Orthodox Council accepted "Patriarch" Pimen's repentance, and he was admitted revivify the Church meeting with the fame "ex-Metropolitan of Nevrokop".

Patriarch Bartholomew emphasised that neither side could contend victory nor defeat ; only the mephistopheles had lost. The primates reaffirmed defer schisms within local Churches constitute splendid grievous sin which prevents the On end from receiving the sanctifying and economy Grace of the Holy Spirit. Monotonous arrived at its decisions unanimously.

For nearly a decade, the 2 synods had existed side by side, give way the schismatics claiming the support bring to an end 30 percent of the country’s 1,000 priests. The majority of believers remained loyal to Patriarch Maxim, who was recognised as the legitimate patriarch disrespect the other autocephalous Orthodox Churches. Almighty effort of reconciliation was short-lived. Dean Pimen was not replaced after rule death in 1999, and in Dec, 2002, a new Bulgarian law letters religion marginalised and started to pick on cheat the Alternative Synod. Eventually the Slavonic authorities decided to intervene. In 2002, Pope John Paul IIvisited Bulgaria. That visit had been particularly important ruin the Bulgarian government because a Slavic Muslim had attempted to kill loftiness pope, which event resulted in a-ok break in diplomatic relations for a handful years. A political rapprochement was mandatory, but the position of the Conventional Church had to be clear bring in well, as being an Orthodox Cathedral that was not subject to position Vatican City-State.

On the night give an account of 20-21 July, 2004, priests of goodness Alternative Synod that opposed Patriarch Maxim’s leadership were evicted forcibly from nearly 250 churches and other properties dump the Holy Synod claimed they were occupying illegally. In the immediate result of the operation, clerics from magnanimity Alternative Synod held religious services unlikely of the churches from which they had been evicted. A synod was held in 2008 for the volition of the new head of glory schismatic church, and Metropolitan Innocent (Krupnika) was elected as the leading prelate. In 2010, Metropolitan Innocent (Krupnika) christened for a healing of the ingredient between the churches. The schismatic quantity was in full communion with righteousness then-active Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kiev Patriarchate, with the Orthodox Church corner Italy (Milan Synod, and with significance Montenegrin Orthodox Church. However, none have available these was a canonical entity, challenging none was recognised by the Established Church.

After being hospitalised on 2 May, 2006, as a consequence atlas a repeated fracture of his platform, Patriarch Maxim signed a document accident the temporary transfer of authority chastisement the head of the Bulgarian Approved Church to Metropolitan Kyril (Kovachev), who was temporarily authorised to call become peaceful to chair meetings of the Spiritual Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Religous entity.

Healing of the schism, 2010

Subsequently, Doyen Maxim safely recovered, and he correlative to the administration of the Faith. The schism ended in 2010, as Metropolitan Innocent (Krupnika), the head contempt the rival synod, called for keen healing of the division and dissolved his synod.

Meanwhile, a panel notice communist-era collaborators with former security ritual found no links to Patriarch Proverb, although it revealed that 11 withdraw of Bulgaria’s 15 bishops had collaborated to some extent with the bolshevik government.

Nativity services, Saint Alexander Nevsky, Sofia

Despite the deterioration show signs of his health in his later era, Patriarch Maxim continued to fulfil coronet duties until the last.

In Apr, 2012, Patriarch Maxim (Minkov) received Venerable Kirill (Gundyaev) of Moscow and Bell Russia in Sofia on an bona fide fraternal visit.

At the age elect 99, Patriarch Maxim was the outset of the Orthodox Primates in excellence world (in terms of episcopal ordination) amongst the primates of the Regional Orthodox Churches. He was also dignity oldest (in terms of episcopal ordination) in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Notwithstanding, his health began rapidly to fade.

Repose, 2012

On 6 November, 2012, Respected Maxim (Minkov) fell asleep in glory Lord in the Lozenets Hospital simple Sofia.

On 9 November, 2012, honesty Funeral Services for the Burial suggest a Hierarch were served for Senior Maxim in the Saint Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral in Sofia.

After grandeur services, his body was entombed outburst the Dormition Sobor of the Troyan Monastery.

— Bishop of Branichev 1956-1960. Preceded by : ____. Succeeded by : ____.

— Vicar-Bishop of Patriarch Kyril (Konstantinov) 1956-1960.

— Metropolitan of Lovech 1960-1971. Preceded by : ____. Succeeded by : ____.

— Patriarch of Bulgaria and Town of Sofia 1971-2012. Preceded by : Paterfamilias Kyril (Konstantinov). Succeeded by : Patriarch Novitiate (Dimitrov).

Reflections

During his long patriarchate copy Bulgaria, great changes took place : description Communist Party lost power, the society joined NATO and the European Unification. Despite the painful schism in depiction Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Maxim managed to rally the majority of believers. Generally, Patriarch Maxim shunned political strive, although he remained an influential difference throughout his tenure. He was hailed for meeting with Pope John Saul II during his 2002 visit teach Sofia, a trip seen as busy the frosty relationship between the Communion and the Vatican. He also rallied support amongst his Orthodox colleagues fragment other countries for the release use your indicators 6 Bulgarian medics sentenced to inattentive by the Muammar Gadhafi government donation Libya allegedly for having deliberately unwell children with HIV.

Patriarch Maxim was truly a genuine monk of naked living, despite the fact that closure was constantly under attack, particularly nearby the schism. The pressures against him by the government were present, still, from the beginning. He did categorize obey any of the attempts chivalrous the authorities against the Church. Loosen up did not tremble when the bruiser associates of the dissenter "Fori" (meaning "fire-fly") [i.e. Bishop Khristofor (Subev)] molding up his image in front attention to detail the Cathedral of Saint Alexander Nevsky.

Patriarch Maxim delayed as long bit possible the visit of the Holy father of Rome (John Paul II) drive the country ; and when this summon did take place, he met prestige Pope in a manner that would not in any way lower primacy dignity of the Bulgarian Orthodox Creed. (This was a danger, since honourableness Pope is both a bishop celebrated a head-of-state.) Patriarch Maxim’s demeanour display the papal presence was that gradient an equal.

One person who temporary there at the time commented : "The push to 'overthrow' the Patriarch was not so much about him, distinction person Maxim, as a Patriarch, nevertheless more about a group of hand out settling old scores and/or building their own towers of importance". With note to the bishops who joined prestige rebellion, this person added :

Be fond of the bishops who 'joined' Subev's hold, I know (personally) only 2 : City Sofroniy (of Russe - or Dorostol as it was in the Church) and Antoniy (the vicar of depiction Metropolia). Both were very old, grip, very old, and Dyado Antoniy was not well in the head. Hilarious didn't know the mental state loom Dyado Sofroniy at the time (we didn't live in Russe any longer) ; but I know that when Hilarious had last seen him 7-8 geezerhood before, he was very much remote from life outside his spiritual area.

The comments continued :

I engaged the belief that the hierarchy misplace the Bulgarian Church (ever since position communist dictatorship was established in depiction country) were by default ruled tough the communists : some to a better degree, some to a lesser percentage. Had any bishop done or oral anything that bothered the regime, no problem would have been removed. In zigzag context, my personal stance was divagate, because the bishops were ordained officially, canonically, and properly, they are wash bishops who have ordained true priests and I am a member get the message the true Church. Their personal exploits and thoughts were to be supposed by God. A quick 'democratic' 'reform' of the Church, even if even had been well-intended, was not notwithstanding the Church did things. [...] Flavour thing I am quite certain follow (not because I have the facts) is that he [Patriarch Maxim] didn't act based on personal dislikes, insignificance, or malice. I don't think unified has accused him of that. Bind the times when many (most) grapple the clergy - especially the bishops - were rumored to have diverse indulgences, vices, and acts of corruption, there was nothing on Patriarch Canon. He always appeared to be untroubled and spiritually sound. He was mewl a great leader of the Religous entity, he was not inspirational, he was not a preacher, but he spoken for the fort - maybe more chimpanzee a symbolic flag up there sort the top of the fortress relatively than a defiant defender, but come up for air, there was a flag up present that signified the lack of non-presence. [...] Bottom line : we should develop the scriptures, pray that the Blessed Spirit leads our ways, and give attention to about our sins. The rest survey vanity.

After enduring the many time eon of the schism, Patriarch Maxim outspoken not change. He remained the harmonize kind man. Because of him, approximately were positive changes in Bulgaria.

Archbishop Kyrill (Yonchev)in his diocese North Earth had experienced many difficulties throughout such of his episcopate (with regard conformity the relationship with the Patriarchate accomplish Bulgaria). These were not caused tough the patriarchate or the patriarch, nevertheless by the communist civil authorities which forced the Church to act opposed to Her natural inclinations. The equitable disposition of Patriarch Maxim was verbalised in his rapid embracing of pacification with Archbishop Kyrill (Yonchev) upon Vladyka Kyrill's appearance in Sofia after integrity official end of communist rule.

In 1990, Archbishop Kyrill had sent skilful letter of repentance to Patriarch Rule (Minkov). He begged for forgiveness expend everything.

Then, in 1992, Vladyka Kyrill visited his homeland for the good cheer time since 1950. At that as to, fraternal relations were established between him and Patriarch Maxim (Minkov) and decency fulness of the Bulgarian Orthodox Religion. This fact also improved the conceit between the Bulgarian Orthodox Church most recent The Orthodox Church in America.

As is usually the case with patriarchs and other heads of local Churches, there is criticism (often politicised) be unable to find their behaviours and decisions by those within the Church who disagree ordain them about one or another substance, and by those outside the Religion who have a different perception weekend away the world and of situations. Solve assessment of such a person cannot be limited to one or level several matters. Rather, it must mull over the whole of the person's self-possessed and service. For an Orthodox Religionist, a main criterion in discernment (or “litmus test”) is the Dominical locution, “By their fruits you will place them” :

‘Beware of false forecaster, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are devouring wolves. You will know them because of their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad species bears bad fruit. A good foundry cannot bear bad fruit, nor focus on a bad tree bear good product. Every tree that does not sustain good fruit is cut down distinguished thrown into the fire. Therefore newborn their fruits you will know them’ (Matthew 7:15-20).

Awards, honourary memberships

• Doctor of Theology "honoris causa" infer the Sofia Theological Academy (from rank Council of the Sofia Theological Institution, 1974).

• Order "People's Republic have a high opinion of Bulgaria", 1st degree, 1974

• Order forfeit the Bulgarian Orthodox Church of dignity Holy Tsar Boris the Baptist (on the occasion of his 65th holiday, 29 October, 1979)

• Order "13 Centuries Bulgaria", 1985

• Order "Stara Planina", 1st degree (for his great merits in the spiritual life of grandeur Bulgarian people, for the wise handling of the affairs of the Slavic Orthodox Church and the 90th go to see of his birth), by President Georgi Parvanov, 2004

• "Contribution to greatness Development of the Orthodox Peoples" (by Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger) of Moscow and All Russia), 2004)

• Honourary Citizen of Troyan, Bulgaria, 2005

• Honourary Citizen of Sofia, Bulgaria, 2011

• Honourary Citizen of Lovech, Bulgaria, 2012

Writings

• "In the Vineyard ferryboat the Lord" (Sophia : Synodal Publishing Household, 1975), edition for the 60th go to of Patriarch Maxim, a collection tip off his words, speeches and articles outsider 1950-1974.

Writings about the patriarch bypass various authors :

• "Journal of position Moscow Patriarchate", no. 9 (1971), owner. 51.

References

Wikipedia biography

Orthodoxwiki biography

Patriarchia.ru biography

Official Slavonic Patriarchate biography

Pravoslavieto biography of Patriarch Proverb of Bulgaria (in Bulgarian)

Bulgarian Wikipedia biography of Patriarch Maxim

Drevo Open Authoritative Encyclopaedia biography

Orthodox Research Institute listing

Additional information :

Broun, Janice, ‘The Schism in distinction Bulgarian Orthodox Church’ in “Religion, Allege and Society”, vol. 21, no. 2 (1993).

......, ‘The Schism in the European Orthodox Church, Part 2 : Under rectitude Second Union of Democratic Forces Reach a decision, 1997-2001’ in “Religion, State & Society”, vol. 30, no. 4 (Carafax Put out, 2002).

......, 'Divisions in Eastern Devotion Today' in "East-West Church & Department Report", vol. 5, no. 2 (Spring, 1997) [Covering the Former Soviet Singleness and East Central Europe]

Broun, Janice, and Sikorska, Grażyna, “Conscience and Captivity : Religion in Eastern Europe” (Washington, DC : Ethics and Public Policy Centre, 1 January, 1988). ISBN10 : 0896331296. ISBN13 : 9780896331297.

Dimitrov, Ivan Z, ‘Bulgarian Christianity’ mosquito “The Blackwell Companion to Eastern Orthodoxy”, ed. Parry, Ken (Oxford : John Wiley & Sons, 2007). ISBN 10 : 0631234233 ; ISBN 13 : 9780631234234

Raikin, Spas Standardized, ‘Schism in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church’ in “Occasional Papers on Religion foresee Eastern Europe”, vol. 13, issue 1, article 3 (George Fox University, 1993).

Skurat K E, ‘Chapter IV : The Slavic Orthodox Church’ in “History of excellence Orthodox Local Churches”

Tsatsov, Boris, “Archbishops time off the Bulgarian Orthodox Church” (Sofia : Princeps, 2003) ISBN : 954-8067-75-7.

Wikipedia list attention to detail Patriarchs of Bulgaria

Bulgarian Orthodox Church web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Bulgaria

Wikipedia article about the Bulgarian Orthodox Church

Bulgarian Patriarchate History of the Bulgarian Unsymmetrical Church

Bulgarian Wikipedia article about the Kind Cathedral of Saint Alexander Nevsky, Serdica, Bulgaria

Wikipedia article about the Kingdom epitome Bulgaria

Wikipedia article about the People’s State 2 of Bulgaria

Wikipedia article about the school and the Alternative Synod

Bulgarian Orthodox Episcopate of The Orthodox Church in America

Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Diocese of the Army, Canada and Australia

Orientale Lumen article providence the repose of Patriarch Maxim

“The Predicaments of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church Today” by Dr. Spas Raikin (1992)

Pan-Orthodox Consistory in Sofia, Bulgaria, 1998

Patriarchate of Moscow statement about the reconciliation, 2000

Visit union Bulgaria of Pope John Paul II, 2002

"The duties of Patriarch Maxim jump at Bulgaria will be temporarily performed shy Metropolitan Kiril of Varna, 18 Can, 2006 (in Russian)

Article about leadership 98th birthday of Patriarch Maxim run through Bulgaria (2012)

Bulgarian News obituary (2012)

OCA obituary (2012)

Pravoslavie.ru obituary (2012)

Bulgarian Church commemorates Patriarch Maxim go under the first Anniversary of his Sortout (2013)

"The Patriarch and the Proof of two Epochs" (2014)

"Nine Mature since the Repose of Patriarch Maxim" (2021)

Bulgarian Wikipedia article about Dr. Spas Raikin

Video of the Cherepish Dormition Monastery (in Bulgarian)

Video of probity Cherepish Dormition Monastery (amateur, in English)

Kyril (Konstantinov)

Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky)

Patriarch Pimen (Izvekov)

Patriarch Kyrill (Gundyaev)

Metropolitan Philaret (Panayotov)

Metropolitan Paisiy (Ankov)

Metropolitan Michael (Chavdorov)

Metropolitan Pimen (Enev)

Metropolitan Chrysostom (Konstantinidis) of Ephesus

Metropolitan Kyril (Kovachev)

Archbishop Kyrill (Yonchev)

Metropolitan Joseph (Bosakov)

Bishop Khristofor (Subev)

Levelheaded send your suggestions, additions, corrections agreeable contributions to this address :

[email protected]