Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil has called for the Orthodox Church to remain independent of geopolitical conflicts, stressing that its primary mission is to preserve spiritual peace and help believers resist evil rather than become involved in political disputes.

Speaking in an interview with the Bulgarian television program Vapros na Myara ("Question of Measure") to mark the second anniversary of his enthronement, the head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church said that the Church's foremost prayer is "for the peace of the whole world."

He added that Christians should also pray not only for protection from suffering, but that "evil does not enter our souls," arguing that this is essential for preserving the Christian faith in society.

Addressing the relationship between Orthodox Christianity and modern consumer culture, Patriarch Daniil said that self-restraint remains the central Christian response. He explained that this extends beyond limiting material consumption to combating harmful thoughts, maintaining regular prayer, and even reducing time spent on social media.

The Patriarch also said interest in Orthodoxy among young people is growing not only in Bulgaria but also in the United States, Canada, and Australia. According to him, many young believers are voluntarily embracing traditional Orthodox fasting and spiritual discipline in search of greater inner stability and purpose.

On the Church's role in public life, Daniil said clergy should remain close to the faithful without seeking excessive public attention. He noted that the Patriarch's public engagements are primarily determined by the liturgical calendar and pastoral visits to communities across Bulgaria.

The interview also addressed relations within the Orthodox world. Patriarch Daniil said that fidelity to the Orthodox faith—not national affiliation—should remain the defining principle in relations among the autocephalous Orthodox Churches.

Commenting on the possibility of sanctions against Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, Daniil reiterated his opposition to involving the Church in political processes.

"The Church should not become a participant in geopolitical games," he said, warning that such measures could set a dangerous precedent affecting not only an individual church leader but also the broader Orthodox Church. He added that he had discussed the issue with the heads of the Antiochian and Jerusalem Orthodox Churches, expressing concern about the potential consequences of such actions.

Patriarch Daniil also rejected suggestions that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church aligns itself with either Constantinople or Moscow. He emphasized that the Bulgarian Church has maintained its historical independence and noted that its centuries-old autocephaly predates Bulgaria's national liberation.

Regarding the church dispute in Ukraine, Daniil said the Bulgarian Orthodox Church continues to maintain a balanced position consistent with that of most Local Orthodox Churches. He noted that since the Orthodox Church of Ukraine received a tomos of autocephaly in 2019, the Bulgarian Church has neither considered nor recognized the body.

Concluding the interview, the Patriarch urged restraint in public discussion of church affairs and called for greater respect toward religious institutions, particularly on social media.

"Every word carries responsibility," he said. "We should avoid statements that sow confusion, division, and hostility."