Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel has called on Orthodox Christians to defend their faith without hatred, mutual accusations or division, emphasizing that defending Orthodoxy must begin with personal spiritual discipline, respect for others and a commitment to living according to Christian teachings.

The patriarch made the remarks during a Divine Liturgy at the German Monastery of St. John of Rila, held in memory of the 26 Zograf Martyrs, who died in 1284 at Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos, according to the website of the Sofia Metropolis.

“Before presenting ourselves as defenders of Orthodoxy, we must learn to respect the person next to us,” Patriarch Daniel said.

The head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church expressed concern about the spread of accusations and harsh comments on the internet, saying such exchanges fuel disagreements among believers.

As an example, he referred to online discussions surrounding Metropolitan John of Varna and Veliki Preslav’s visit to France, where he attended a conference marking the 10th anniversary of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church, held in Crete in 2016.

According to the patriarch, some users circulated claims that certain documents had been signed without first examining the circumstances or the materials presented at the conference. Such behavior, he argued, creates an atmosphere of mistrust and risks provoking conflicts within the Church.

Patriarch Daniel stressed that Orthodox Christians should have a solid understanding of their faith and be able to explain their beliefs calmly to members of other Christian denominations.

The purpose of dialogue, he said, should not be to condemn others but to clarify one's own position and seek mutual understanding.

“Faith must be defended. The dogmas and truths of the faith must be protected. But above all, we must learn to live according to these truths,” the patriarch declared.

Patriarch Daniel urged believers to follow the example of Jesus Christ, who, according to the Gospels, did not respond to insults with insults and prayed for those who persecuted him.

He encouraged Christians to focus on overcoming their own passions and prejudices rather than viewing themselves as the Church's saviors.

The patriarch also reflected on the example of the Zograf Martyrs, whose sacrifice, he said, serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to one's beliefs and maintaining spiritual steadfastness.

According to church tradition, the 26 monks and laypeople were killed in 1284 after refusing demands associated with submission to Rome.

Their commemoration, Patriarch Daniel noted, highlights the importance of defending the faith while remaining grounded in spiritual conviction.

Concluding his homily, he called on Christians to cultivate inner peace, love for their neighbors and respectful dialogue, including with those who do not share their religious beliefs.

“The spirit that takes up residence in a person brings peace both to that person and to those around them,” the head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church concluded.