Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill has congratulated Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel on the second anniversary of his enthronement, thanking him for his support of the bishops, clergy, and faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).

The message, published on the official website of the Russian Orthodox Church, expressed Kirill's gratitude for Daniel's stance toward the UOC.

"I sincerely thank Your Holiness for your support of the hierarchs, clergy, and faithful of the suffering Ukrainian Orthodox Church," Patriarch Kirill wrote.

Kirill also praised Patriarch Daniel, who became head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in 2024, for continuing the spiritual and educational traditions of Saints Cyril and Methodius, St. John of Rila, and St. Euthymius of Tarnovo. He said Daniel's ministry contributes to strengthening the Orthodox faith that has "long united our peoples."

The Russian patriarch wished his Bulgarian counterpart continued spiritual and physical strength and God's assistance in his patriarchal ministry.

The statement comes amid recent public comments by Patriarch Daniel concerning both the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Last week, Daniel endorsed the Bulgarian government's decision not to support sanctions against Patriarch Kirill, describing the position as "correct" and "courageous." He made the remarks on June 26 while speaking to journalists ahead of a meeting of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

Representatives of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church have also repeatedly expressed support for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Metropolitan Arseniy of Sliven has defended the canonical legitimacy of UOC clergy serving Ukrainian refugees in Bulgaria, stating that their services are conducted in accordance with the traditions of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

Arseniy also argued that the Church should not allow political considerations to determine its decisions, emphasizing that ecclesiastical matters should be addressed according to canonical principles rather than changing political circumstances.