Visit of Bishop Akakije to Monastic Sisterhood in Bulgaria

[Despotovac]

Official Visit of Bishop Akakije to Monastic Sisterhood in Bulgaria
On the 5th of October (NS), His Grace Bishop Akakije visited the monastic sisterhood (12 nuns and novices) in Bulgaria who have been recently received under the hierarchal omophorion of the Serbian TOC. The monastic sisterhood, led by Mother Ambrosia, left the (for Bulgarian True Orthodoxy, historical) Knjaževo Convent in Sophia under the jurisdiction of the Bulgarian Old Calendar Orthodox Church (BOCOC) whose head is His Grace Photios, Bishop of Triaditsa. Upon their petition, His Grace Bishop Akakije received them temporarily under the omophorion of the Serbian TOC until the situation of the Bulgarian Old Calendar Church normalizes. With the blessing of Bishop Akakije, the monastic sisterhood currently is establishing, ie, building its new dwelling place, a monastery.
This was Bishop Akakije’s first official visit to their monastery. During the visit, His Grace met the entire sisterhood, toured and blessed the property which is intended for the establishment of the monastery, which will include the renovation of a winter chapel. He also participated in a lengthy group discussion.
The Serbian TOC respects the Bulgarian Old Calendarists’ battle for the patristic teachings, and also respects the territorial jurisdiction of the Local Bulgarian Church. However, as the Serbian TOC is not in communion with the Bulgarian Old Calendarist church due to Cyprianism as well as their debatable Apostolic succession (Bishop Photios was consecrated bishop by the uncanonical Greek Old Calendarists, the Cyprianites), the STOC has taken the liberty to offer a temporary canonical refuge for the monastic sisterhood of the BOCOC.

[Barbara]

Oh ! Very interesting information. I had no idea about this convent and its decision to seek a temporary refuge under
Bp Akakije, who is a most wise archpastor [ though so recently consecrated, really, it's a marvel ! ]

What is the problem taking place right now which needs to be normalized ?
Is there a process underway for that ?

This is a good press release : sensitive to the feelings of Bulgarians. Well said about not wanting to tread on their
territory, but under the circumstances, this appears to be an excellent move.