Sofia-Moscow Tensions Surge Over St. Nicholas Church Crisis

In a move that could further strain diplomatic ties, Russia has accused Bulgaria of demonstrating "open hostility" in the ongoing dispute over the Church of Saint Nicholas the Miracle-Maker in Sofia. The Russian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, labeled the perceived threat to the church as a violation of legal norms and an act of hostility, signaling potential consequences for Sofia's actions.

The conflict traces back to September when Russian (and Belarusian) priests were expelled from the church, prompting the Russian embassy to announce the cessation of the church's activities....