Bulgaria's Holy Synod is meeting Saturday to consider the petition of Varna priests, who demand the annulment of the election of a new Metropolitan of Varna.

Priests from Bulgaria's Black Sea capital insist the Synod cancels the vote, which took place on November 17 and nominated for successor of Metropolitan Kiril Bishops Ignatius and Boris.

Laity and clergy from Varna unanimously opposed the choice of the two candidates and are convinced the election has been rigged. People from the diocese even insist that both contenders be judged by the Holy Synod to make it clear if there has been vote buying.

The meeting of the Holy Synod will be held at 6 pm, when the definite and final decision is expected.

If the Synod does not annul the election, the vote for the Metropolitan of Varna and Veliki Preslav will be held Sunday.

People from Varna – laity and clergy – have left on cars and buses for Sofia to stage a vigil in front of the Holy Synod headquarters in protest against the election.

"Every accusation is troublesome, but with God's help, I hope we will be successful in dealing with difficulties," said Patriarch Neofit, commenting for bTV the latest scandal shaking the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

The position of Varna metropolitan bishop became vacated after the July mystery drowning death of controversial former bishop Kiril.