Daniil of Bulgaria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Holiness Daniil |
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Daniil in 2024
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| Native name | Патриарх Даниил |
| Church | Bulgarian Orthodox Church |
| See | Sofia |
| Enthroned | 30 June 2024 |
| Predecessor | Neophyte |
| Orders | |
| Rank | Patriarch |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Atanas Trendafilov Nikolov |
| Born | 2 March 1972 Smolyan, Bulgaria |
| Denomination | Eastern Orthodox Church |
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Patriarch Daniil (also spelled Daniel) is a very important leader in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. He was born on March 2, 1972, with the name Atanas Trendafilov Nikolov. Since June 2024, he has been the Patriarch of All Bulgaria. This means he is the main spiritual leader for many people in Bulgaria. Before becoming Patriarch, he served as a senior bishop in different parts of the church.
Early Life and School
Atanas Trendafilov Nikolov was born in a town called Smolyan in Bulgaria. He went to school there and also served in the military.
In 1996, he started studying English at Sofia University. But a year later, he decided to study theology instead. Theology is the study of religious faith and practice. He finished his studies in 2002.
Becoming a Bishop
After his studies, Daniel began his religious service. In 2004, he went to the Rozhen Monastery. A monastery is a place where monks live and worship.
Later that year, he became a monk-priest. This is a special role in the church. In 2006, he became an archimandrite, which is a higher rank for a monk-priest.
In 2008, he was made a bishop. As a bishop, he helped lead the church in the Nevrokop area. He also spent some time helping to lead the church in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In 2018, he was chosen to be the Metropolitan of Vidin. A Metropolitan is a very important bishop who leads a large church area called a diocese.
Becoming Patriarch
In March 2024, the previous Patriarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Neophyte, passed away. After a period of mourning, the church needed to choose a new leader.
Metropolitan Daniel was one of three main candidates for this important position. On June 30, 2024, a special council of church leaders and people met in Sofia. They chose Metropolitan Daniel to be the new Patriarch of Bulgaria and Metropolitan of Sofia.
