Bulgaria’s Orthodox Church initiates case against Archimandrite Nikanor over missing €1 million

The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has opened a canonical case against Archimandrite Nikanor following a complaint from laypeople, clergy and church members. An internal audit revealed no documentation for the alleged expenditure of €1 million for restoration work at the Gigen Monastery.

Archimandrite Nikanor has publicly criticized Patriarch Danail, labeling him a “Kremlin agent” and has been accused of promoting a split within the church and even preaching the creation of a new church. In response, the church court imposed a 15‑day suspension on Nikanor’s ministry. He claims the sanction is linked to his acceptance of a group of Ukrainian children into the monastery, which he denies. The case will proceed according to the church’s canonical regulations.