Kiril of Varna facts for kids
Metropolitan Kiril (born Bogomil Petrov Kovachev) was an important leader in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. He served as the Metropolitan of Varna and Veliki Preslav, which are cities in Bulgaria. A Metropolitan is a high-ranking bishop who oversees a large church region.
Kiril was born on June 8, 1954. He became a Metropolitan in 1988. This meant he was chosen to lead the church in the Varna and Veliki Preslav areas.
Leading the Church Temporarily
After Bulgaria's main church leader, Patriarch Maxim, passed away in 2012, Kiril took on a very important role. He became the interim patriarch until a new one was chosen. An interim patriarch temporarily leads the entire church until a permanent leader is elected. Kiril held this position until February 24, 2013.
His Passing
Sadly, Kiril passed away on July 9, 2013. He was found on a beach near his home in Varna, by the Black Sea. An investigation showed that he had drowned. There were no signs of violence.
