2024-03-25 22:05:20
Metropolitan John of Varna refused to give communion as a layman to the priest from Sliven, who has been on hunger strike for 8 days because of the procedure for the election of the Metropolitan of Sliven, which was approved by the Holy Synod. According to the Metropolitan of Varna, the request of the superior of the “Holy Trinity” church in Sliven is not according to the canons of the church.
Father Ivan’s Holy Communion was also refused today… by Grandpa John The word MERCY does not find a way, but where is LOVE?! Where is the human under the dress…
Posted by Donka Kupenova on Monday 25 March 2024
“Father Ivan is an archpriest and his communion must be given like all clergymen. He does not have the right to receive communion as a layman. He has not been stripped of his cassock, nor has any punishment been imposed on him. You will not act arbitrarily in the Holy Church. I forbid the Holy communion in this way”, Metropolitan John was categorical, which is clear from a video inside the temple. However, he invited the priest to receive communion as a clergyman, which Father Ivan did not want to do.
After that, Father Ivan Yankov told journalists how the recluse Mary of Egypt asked Father Zosim for communion in the desert east of the Jordan River, and he wrapped her in his own robe and then performed the sacrament.
“Father Zosime, I cannot come to you. If you want to bless me, throw me your outer garment. I am a naked woman, because my clothing has long since rotted in this desert,” says Reverend Maria, according to the Bulgarian Orthodox Catalog, transmits dnes.dir.bg.
The hunger strike of Sliven priest Ivan Yankov lasted for 8 days, and today – on Annunciation, he is expected to end it. However, his protest continues. The insistence of the priest, supported by nearly 500 laymen, is to recognize the election of the Diocesan Council for Sliven Metropolitan. The election procedure was canceled by the Holy Synod.