The Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Bulgaria issued a statement opposing the holding of “Sofia Pride 2026,” expressing disagreement with the ideas and messages promoted through the event.
In its statement, the Holy Synod reiterated the Church’s teaching that humanity was created by God “as male and female” and that the family, founded on the sacramental union of a man and a woman, constitutes the natural environment for the upbringing of children.
The bishops expressed concern over what they described as attempts to present views and patterns of behavior “incompatible with Christian moral teaching” as alternatives to the order established by God, stressing that such messages are particularly troubling when directed toward children and young people.
At the same time, the Holy Synod emphasized that “the Church rejects no one and never ceases to pray for every person,” while maintaining its responsibility to bear witness to the Gospel and safeguard the faithful from spiritual confusion. The statement added that “true freedom does not consist in affirming every desire or aspiration, but in following the truth that leads man to the fullness of life in God.”
The Synod also called on state institutions, social organizations, and society as a whole to support marriage and family life, preserve moral foundations, and protect the spiritual and cultural values upon which Bulgarian society is built.
Concluding its message ahead of the Sunday of All Bulgarian Saints, celebrated on June 14, the Holy Synod urged the faithful to remain committed to their spiritual heritage and Orthodox faith, praying that God may grant the Bulgarian people “peace, spiritual sobriety, and unity.”
