Bulgarian Orthodox Church Faces Unprecedented Challenge
A recent decision by Bulgaria’s Supreme Court of Cassation has sent shockwaves through the nation’s Orthodox Christian community,potentially creating a significant schism. The court’s ruling,which granted registration to a second Orthodox church—the Old Calendar Bulgarian Orthodox Church—is unprecedented and has drawn sharp criticism from various groups.
The political party PP ABV strongly condemned the decision, viewing it as a severe blow to the established Bulgarian Orthodox Church. They stated, “The registration of a second Orthodox church marks the beginning of a new schism.”
This isn’t the first time the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has faced external pressures. PP ABV points to past attempts at secular and political interference,noting that previous challenges where overcome ”with great efforts of the entire Orthodox community and the institutions during the governments of Filip Dimitrov and Ivan Kostov.” Though,this latest ruling is seen as a far more significant encroachment.
The uniqueness of this situation is highlighted by PP ABV’s observation: “There is no second Catholic Church in the world, there are no similar precedents in othre faiths.” This leads them to believe the decision is intended to legitimize a schism, seemingly supported by the European Court of Human Rights, following years of Bulgarian courts refusing registration to the Old Calendar Church.
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church holds deep cultural and historical meaning for the Bulgarian people. PP ABV emphasizes this connection, stating, “The church is the one with whose help the Bulgarian people have preserved themselves over the centuries.Through it, we manage to preserve the Bulgarian family and history for over a thousand years – years of historical, political and social obstacles.” The party views the court’s decision as a direct threat to this long-standing relationship.
In response to the ruling, PP ABV is urging Bulgarians to rally behind Patriarch Daniil and the established Bulgarian Orthodox Church, supporting what they call “the only true, pure and universally recognized Holy Bulgarian Orthodox Church.”
The implications of this decision extend beyond Bulgaria’s borders. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between religious tradition and legal frameworks, a debate relevant to many countries, including the United States, where similar discussions regarding religious freedom and the separation of church and state frequently arise.
Bulgarian Orthodox Church Faces Unprecedented Challenge: An Interview with Dr. Ivan Petrov
Senior Editor: Welcome back to World Today News.Today we’re delving into a developing story with international implications: the recent decision by Bulgaria’s Supreme Court of Cassation to register a second Orthodox Church, the Old Calendar Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Joining us to discuss the significance of this decision is Dr. Ivan Petrov, a leading scholar of eastern Orthodoxy and Bulgarian history at Sofia university. Dr. Petrov, thank you for being with us.
Dr. Ivan Petrov: It’s a pleasure to be here. This is, indeed, a momentous development for Bulgaria.
Senior Editor: Many are calling this decision unprecedented. Can you elaborate on what makes this situation so unique?
Dr. Petrov: As the article mentions, the existence of two legally recognized Orthodox Churches within a single nation is virtually unheard of in the world. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church, which has been the nation’s dominant religious institution for centuries, now officially shares that space. The Old Calendar movement has existed in Bulgaria for some time, but this decision grants them official recognition on par with the established church.
Senior Editor: The Bulgarian political party PP ABV has condemned the decision,viewing it as a catalyst for a new schism. They cite the past significance of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and its role in preserving Bulgarian identity. Can you shed light on this outlook?
Dr. Petrov: The bulgarian Orthodox Church is deeply interwoven with Bulgarian national consciousness. It’s seen as a symbol of cultural continuity and resilience throughout centuries of upheaval. Many Bulgarians view the Church as a cornerstone of their national identity, and the idea of having a “second” CHURCH challenges this deeply held perception.
Senior Editor: The article also suggests that European human rights law may have played a role in this decision.
Dr. Petrov: That’s correct. The Old Calendar group has argued that their right to religious freedom has been infringed upon by their inability to register as a church. This argument, combined with legal precedents set by the European Court of Human Rights, likely contributed to the Bulgarian court’s decision.
Senior Editor: This situation obviously raises profound questions about the balance between religious tradition and individual rights, a debate not unique to Bulgaria. What insights can this case offer to other nations grappling with similar issues?
dr. Petrov: The Bulgarian case highlights the complex interplay between historical,cultural,and legal factors within religious landscapes.It demonstrates the potential for tensions to arise when individual rights to religious expression clash with the long-standing authority and role of established religious institutions.
Senior Editor: Thank you for sharing your invaluable insights, Dr. Petrov. This is certainly a situation worth continuing to monitor in the months to come.
Dr. Petrov: Thank you for having me.
