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Bulgarian Parliament Approves Draft Laws Targeting Rift in Orthodox Church

The Bulgarian National Assembly has voted in favor of three draft laws in their first reading, aiming to limit the influence of the Bulgarian Orthodox Old Calendar Church (BPOCC). The move comes after the Supreme Court of Cassation (VKS) registered the BPOCC as a religion.

The "Revival" party’s draft law prohibits the registration of more than one legal entity, claiming to be part of the Orthodox Church, using the name "Orthodox". Meanwhile, GERB‘s proposal designates the Bulgarian Patriarchate as the sole representative of the traditional Eastern Orthodox faith. The final draft law, proposed by the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), seeks to register religions in contradiction with current laws.

"Revival" argued that allowing the BPOCC to register would cause serious divisions within Bulgarian society. Zlatan Zlatanov, presenting the draft laws, stated that registering the BPOCC poses a threat to all Eastern Orthodox churches.

GERB’s Georgi Georgiev supported the draft laws, asserting that only the Bulgarian Patriarchate has been preserving Bulgarian nationalism for centuries. He reasoned that any Orthodox Church not recognized by the Ecumenical Councils and cannon law cannot claim to be truly Orthodox.

Following a recess to discuss road safety, the "Revival" draft law won sufficient votes to pass, with support only from "We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria" (PPDB) and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF). However, the draft laws proposed by GERB and BSP were overwhelmingly rejected.

Earlier today, there were heated exchanges during the premier’s question time when Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev was grilled about the registration of the Old Calendar Church. The incident highlighted the political tensions surrounding this issue.

In the next stage of the legislative process, the law will explicitly state that only the Bulgarian Patriarchate can use the term "Bulgarian Orthodox Church," and no other religious organization can use any variation of this term.

Borisov Pushes Strategic Move to Address Drama in BPC

In a significant development, Prime Minister Boyko Borisov has initiated key steps to address the ongoing turmoil within the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BPC). The move comes amid increasing pressure from the public and key stakeholders who have been closely monitoring the church’s internal disputes.

Borisov’s intervention follows recommendations from the Christian Democrat party, GERB, which is proposing amendments to the Religion Denominations Act. One of the key proposed changes would limit the number of recognized churches in the country to one. Currently, Bulgaria has two registered Orthodox churches: the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (Alternative Synod).

The Bulgarian Orthodox Old-Calendar Church, a breakaway group, has once again met resistance in its attempts to register, with the Ministerial Council rejecting its application. This latest setback comes as the group continues to grow in influence and adherents, further complicating the religious landscape in Bulgaria.

In response to the Ministerial Council’s decision, Acting Interior Minister Georgi Georgiev expressed his stance, "We cannot approve the registration of a church that already has a duplicate name." This statement has been criticized by some as a justification for the government’s obstruction of the Old-Calendar Church’s registration efforts.

Adding to the complexities, the Holy Synod of BPC addressed the Old-Calendar Church’s adherents, urging them to return to the "saving ship" of the BPC. This intervention has further intensified tensions, with the Old-Calendar Church accusing the BPC of proselytism.

The political and religious maneuvering around the BPC’s internal strife has captured the public’s attention, with many Bulgarians expressing their concerns over the church’s divisions. The Prime Minister’s involvement signals a determination to address these concerns and stabilize the religious scene in Bulgaria.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on Borisov and the GERB party to see how their proposed amendments will shape Bulgaria’s religious landscape. The Old-Calendar Church, for its part, remains undeterred, continuing its efforts to gain formal recognition. The future of Bulgaria’s religious denominations, and the BPC in particular, hangs in the balance as these political and ecclesiastical drama continues to play out.

Title: Bulgarian Church Affair: Unity or Division?

Bulgaria’s political landscape is abuzz with discussions around the recent decision by the Supreme Cassation Prosecutor’s Office (VKス), which has sparked debate about the future of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. On December 16, the VKス decided to register the Bulgarian Old-Rite Orthodox Church, a move that has raised eyebrows and triggered reactions from political parties and the church establishment alike.

Leaders of the GERB party, currently in power, have reiterated their stance on the matter. Party chief Boyko Borisov took to social media to assert that "the Orthodox Church is one," and its sole representative is the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, a member of the One, Holy, Cathedral, and Apostolic Church. Borisov’s views align with those of the Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte, who earlier today emphasized thatduplicate churches on one canonical territory is unacceptable according to church rules.

The registration of the Old-Rite Orthodox Church under the Bulgarian Religious Denominations Act has been a contentious issue. The newly registered church rejects the change in the church calendar made in 1968 and continues to adhere to the Julian calendar. This stance has drawn criticism from various quarters, with both "Vazrazhdane" and the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP)-United Left expressing their opposition to the VKсのdecision.

Patriarch Neophyte, who was visiting the Rilski Monastery "Pokrov Bogorодиchen" today, echoed Borisov’s sentiments. He categorically stated that the decision of the VKス的取り決め reverts the clock and is against the unity of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

As the political and religious spheres grapple with this sensitive issue, one thing is clear: the matter requires nuanced debate and understanding from all parties involved. The unity and integrity of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, as a cornerstone of Bulgarian identity, deserve careful consideration and dialogue.

Keywords used: Bulgarian Orthodox Church, church unity, GERB Party, Boyko Borisov, Patriarch Neophyte, Julian calendar, Religious Denominations Act, BSP, Vazrazhdane.

Internal Links used:

• السابق intense debate surrounding the registration of the Old-Rite Orthodox Church
• Bari reactive to the VKS decision
• Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) – United Left’s stance on the issue

External Links used:

• Bulgarian Patriarchate
• Bulgarian Religious Denominations Act
• Supreme Cassation Prosecutor’s Office (VKス)

In a significant statement today, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov has reiterated the country’s commitment to Orthodox Christianity, emphasizing that "only the Bulgarian Orthodox Church is the true representative of the traditional faith in Bulgaria, which is part of the Single, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church."

Making this declaration during a meeting with His Holiness, Bulgarian Patriarch Neofit, Borisov’s statement aligns with the provisions outlined in Article 10 of the Law on Religions in Bulgaria. In a Facebook post, Borisov further elucidated his stance, underscoring the unity and primacy of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in the country’s religious landscape.

As the largest religious denomination in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church holds a significant role in the country’s cultural and historical identity. With a membership of approximately 65% of the country’s population, the church has been a constant force in Bulgarian society, dating back to the country’s adoption of Christianity in the 9th century.

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church is also deeply intertwined with the country’s political and social fabric. It has played pivotal roles throughout Bulgarian history, from helping establish the medieval Bulgarian Empire toItalyhancing national unity and identity during communist rule.

Borisov’s statement comes at a time when religious freedom and diversity have been in the forefront of global discourse. By reaffirming the Bulgarian Orthodox Church’s primacy, Borisov has sent a strong signal about Bulgaria’s commitment to its religious heritage and traditions.

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• Originally published Dec 29, 2024, 17:00 CET.

Bulgaria’s Orthodox Church is United, Says Patriarch Daniel

Bulgaria’s Patriarch Daniel has affirmed the unity of the Orthodox Church, stating that according to church rules, only one canonical Orthodox Church can exist on a single territory. He made these remarks during a visit to the R mêslovsky monastery "Pokrov Bogorodichen," as reported by BNT.

"In the Law on Denominations, it is clearly stated that the traditional religion in Bulgaria is Eastern Orthodox, and its representative is the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, the Bulgarian Patriarchate," Patriarch Daniel noted.

Expressing surprise at the decision of the Supreme Cassation Court, Patriarch Daniel recalled that in 2012, during an attempt to register another entity, the court sought an expert opinion from the Holy Synod. He explained that the court could have considered the Holy Synod’s stance, which stressed that the registration of a new entity with a slight variation in its name, as in the case of commercial companies, would not apply in this context due to the unique nature of church entities.

Highlighting the connection between the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and the One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, Patriarch Daniel emphasized that such unity is a prerequisite for a church to be considered Orthodox. He warned that the court’s decision seemed to reverse the progress made in the past, reflecting his concern that this move could create a schism.

"When a split occurred, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church had to explain to the state that a Orthodox church is one that is in communion with other Orthodox churches. That’s why the Holy and Great Council was convened in 2016," Patriarch Daniel explained.

The Patriarch’s comments come in response to the Supreme Cassation Court’s recent ruling, made public in late December, which will have the Bulgarian Old Calendarist Church registered as a religious denomination. The key distinction of this church is its continuation of the Julian calendar for religious celebrations.

Headline:
Bulgarian Political Party Slams Court Decision Recognizing Old Calendar Orthodox Church

Article:

A Bulgarian political party has issued a statement condemning the recent decision by the Supreme Cassation Court to register the Bulgarian Old Calendar Orthodox Church, describing it as a heavy blow to Orthodox Christianity in Bulgaria and the start of a new schism.

According to the party, the decision, supported by the European Court of Human Rights and other European institutions, attempts to disrupt the thousand-year-old bond between the Bulgarian people and Orthodox Christianity. The party, part of the Bulgarian Socialist Party – United Left coalition and represented in parliament, was joined later in the day by the BSP – United Left itself in issuing a statement that echoed the same sentiments.

The Old Calendar Orthodox Church, which does not recognize the 1968 calendar change, is expected to be registered with the Sofia City Court. The party calls on the Bulgarian public to stand behind Patriarch Neofit and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in support of the one true, pure, and universally recognized Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

The decision by the Supreme Cassation Court, made on December 16, was made public through media outlets two days ago. It resolves the long-standing dispute surrounding the registration of the Bulgarian Old Calendar Orthodox Church, which operates using the Julian calendar.

Party of Green Development (ABV), which issued the initial statement, is a member of the BSP – United Left coalition and has representatives in parliament. Earlier in the day, the party stated that it would make a specific announcement regarding legislative action on the matter later in the day.

The Old Calendar Orthodox Church has been seeking registration for over a decade, with several monasteries operating under its jurisdiction since 1968. As of now, only the Convent of the Holy resurrection in Knizhevo, Sofia, remains under its authority.

The Supreme Cassation Court’s decision is based on a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights, which upholds the registration of the Old Calendar Orthodox Church without infringing upon the rights of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church – Bulgarian Patriarchate or its members.

The newly registered Bulgarian Old Calendar Orthodox Church is not in communion with other autocephalous and autonomous Orthodox churches, and its head is Metropolitan Joseph of Tirady and Revekala (Triaditsa).

The church maintains 20 parishes across the country, including several in Sophia, with its cathedral, "Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary," located in the Bاثiston district of the capital. The decision by the Supreme Cassation Court means the church is now officially recognized as a religious institution under the Religion Act.

In a brief statement on its official website, the church praised the decision, noting that it removes administrative and legal obstacles that had previously hindered its operations. However, the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has not yet issued an official comment on the matter.

Patriarch Neofit briefly commented on the decision while speaking to journalists yesterday following a church celebration in Dрагоман. He expressed his regret at the schism and emphasized that the church recognizes only the Russian, Jerusalem, Serbian, and Macedonian churches, all of which are Old Calendar churches but remain in communion with the Bulgarian Patriarchate.

Headline:
Bulgaira’s ‘Vazrazhdane’ Party to Challenge Court‘s Recognition of Alternative Orthodox Church

Article:

partido que promete ‘levantar a Bulgaria‘ planea limits para la Iglesia ortodóxa departamento de justicia yfamilia | @ofr | julio 7, 2024, 4:20 p.

Headline: Bangkok Prepares for Towering Christmas Celebrations: Patriarch Daniel‘s First Ever Rождество Христово Address

Christmas is in full swing as Bangkok’s Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky gears up for a grand celebration this holiday season. His Holiness Patriarch Daniel, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church‘s spiritual leader, will be personally leading the bilingual services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

On Christmas Eve, the traditional vigil service will begin at 6:00 PM, followed by a joyous celebration of Rождество Христово ( Christmas Day) with the Holy Liturgy commencing at 9:30 AM the following day. This year’s celebrations hold an extra significance as Patriarch Daniel will deliver his first-ever Christmas message as the Bulgarian Orthodox Patriarch.

In his address, His Holiness spoke about the profound mystery of God’s incarnation and His boundless love for humanity. He reminded the faithful of the eternal truth that "God came to us as a human being, not to be served by us but to serve us, to give his life as a ransom for many." The Patriarch also called for unity, forgiveness, and love among Christians, urging them to be guided by the ‘blessed will‘ to serve one another and to seek God’s kingdom.

The message, published in its entirety without edits, is a poignant reminder of the true spirit of Christmas. As Bangkok immerses itself in festive cheer, the Bulgarian Orthodox community gets ready to welcome the Deliverer of souls, our God with joyful hearts and renewed faith.

This Christmas, may the message of love, hope, and unity echo not just within the walls of the cathedral but also in the hearts of all who read or hear it. Merry Christmas to all!