Reliable information has been received that Metropolitan Ioanniki of Sliven (Bulgarian Orthodox Church) has withdrawn his resignation letter and will continue to rule his diocese, writes the Center Chrism.

Earlier, the Greek media reported on a letter of resignation, which was submitted to the Synod of the Bulgarian Patriarchate by Metropolitan Ioannikiy of Sliven, probably due to poor health. Metropolitan Ioanniki is known for having issued a district letter in 2019, in which he forbade the members of the OCU to receive communion.