Bulgarian Parliament Enshrines Bulgarian orthodox Church as Sole Representative of Eastern Orthodoxy
In a landmark decision,the Bulgarian National assembly has passed amendments to the Law on Religious Denominations,solidifying the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC) as the exclusive representative of Eastern Orthodoxy in the contry. The new legislation prohibits other religious organizations from using the term “Orthodox” in their names, a move that has sparked both support and controversy.
The amendments, approved by 173 MPs, mandate that any religious group currently using “Orthodox” in its name must change it within two months or face deregistration. This includes organizations with pending registration proceedings. The Sofia City Court will oversee the process, ensuring compliance with the new requirements.
“The only expression and representative of the conventional religion in Bulgaria is the self-governing Bulgarian Orthodox Church,” the legislation explicitly states. This declaration underscores the BOC’s unique position in the nation’s religious landscape.
However, the decision has not been without criticism. Former Justice Minister Atanas Slavov of the PP-DB party warned of notable political repercussions. “The political effect will be very serious,” he stated, emphasizing that the move could strain Bulgaria’s relations with the Council of Europe. Slavov also raised concerns about judicial independence, noting that the amendments could force the reopening of cases already decided by the Supreme Court of Cassation.
“My call is for more reason and not to directly violate European principles and freedoms in which we are all swearing,” Slavov added, labeling the bill a “political use of grave.”
The legislation comes amid broader debates about religious freedom and state intervention in Bulgaria. Last year, the election of Patriarch Daniel as the head of the BOC was seen as a unifying moment for the nation. However, allegations of external interference have since cast a shadow over the church’s leadership.
Key points of the Legislation
| Aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Exclusive Use of “Orthodox” | Only the BOC can use “Orthodox” in its name. |
| Compliance Deadline | Religious groups have two months to change their names.|
| Consequences of Non-Compliance | Deregistration for non-compliant organizations. |
| Oversight Body | Sofia City Court manages the registration changes.|
| Political Implications | potential diplomatic tensions with the Council of Europe. |
the amendments have ignited a national conversation about the balance between tradition and religious freedom. As Bulgaria navigates this complex issue, the world will be watching to see how the country upholds its commitments to both its heritage and its international obligations.
For more insights into the evolving religious landscape in Bulgaria, explore the full details of the Law on Religious Denominations and its implications.Unprecedented Unity in Bulgarian Parliament to Protect the Bulgarian Orthodox Church
In a rare display of solidarity, Bulgaria’s National Assembly has come together to safeguard the unity of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC), amidst heated debates over proposed amendments to the Religion Act. The discussions have sparked strong reactions from political leaders, with accusations of external interference and internal divisions taking center stage.
A Union Against External Threats
Jordan Tsonev from MRF – New Beginning emphasized that the focus is not on restricting religious pluralism but on addressing what he called the “real threat” posed by external forces. “It is indeed not a question that there is a threat to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church or that we will prohibit the pluralism of religions. It is a question that the real threat is the court, but not the whole, but the one of Soros,” Tsonev stated. He further criticized Democratic Bulgaria representatives, accusing them of defending schisms within the church.
The European Court of Human Rights was singled out as a symbol of what Tsonev described as the “open society” agenda, allegedly linked to George Soros. This narrative has fueled concerns about foreign influence on Bulgaria’s religious and legal frameworks.
Political Divisions and Accusations
The debate has also exposed deep rifts within the parliament. Kostadin Kostadinov, leader of the Revival party, lambasted Atanas Slavov of PP-DB for opposing the amendments, accusing him of hypocrisy. “So when the PP-DB insert a law of borislav Sarafov for one person, no problem, and when it comes to Patriarch Daniel, there is a problem. Traitors,” Kostadinov declared.
Radostin Vasilev, leader of Sword, expressed frustration over the opposition to the bill, which he described as “indisputable.” ”It is indeed sad that for an indisputable bill that 3 parliamentary groups have submitted and who finds approval by almost everyone, again, there will be someone who will find arguments to explain that our church cannot be a monopolist,” Vasilev said, referencing Slavov’s stance.
A Snub to the Patriarch
The controversy extended to a meeting organized by Natalia Kiselova, chairperson of the National Assembly, with Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel. The PP-DB group’s absence from the meeting drew sharp criticism. “PP-DB did not respect the meeting with the patriarch, which is shameful.However, I believe that parliament will protect what has always been to the Bulgarian people both during the war and during slavery, namely our Orthodox Church,” Vasilev added.
A Unifying Force Amid Division
Despite the tensions, some leaders see the debate as an opportunity to bridge divides. “I am happy that there are topics like the one about the Bulgarian Orthodox faith that unite us, as in recent years the division in society has led to a huge division in parliament,” Vasilev remarked.
Key Points at a Glance
| Topic | Details |
|——————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Main Issue | Amendments to the Religion act to protect the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. |
| Key Figures | Jordan Tsonev, Kostadin Kostadinov, Radostin Vasilev, Atanas Slavov. |
| Accusations | External interference, particularly linked to george Soros. |
| Controversial Meeting | PP-DB’s absence from a meeting with patriarch Daniel. |
| Political Unity | Unprecedented coalition in parliament to support the BOC. |
Calls to action
As Bulgaria navigates this complex debate, the unity of its parliament and the protection of its religious heritage remain critical.Share yoru thoughts on this issue and join the conversation about the future of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
this article highlights the intricate interplay of politics, religion, and external influences shaping Bulgaria’s legislative landscape. Stay informed and engaged as the story unfolds.
