On March 6, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria, Metropolitan of Sofia, visited the Primary School Hristo Smirnenski Primary School in Momina Prohod.
He was accompanied by Bishop John of Branitsa, first vicar of the Sofia Metropolitan, Stavrophor Economos Plamen Dimitrov, episcopal vicar of the Ihtiman ecclesiastical district, as well as several local priests.
The church delegation was warmly welcomed by the school’s director, Dr. Yuliyan Odejan, and Margarita Mincheva, Deputy Mayor of Kostenets Municipality.
During the visit, the guests met with teachers and learned about the school’s educational activities, which include the subject “Religion – Orthodoxy.” Participants in the meeting emphasized the importance of religious education as a foundation not only for forming good Christians but also for shaping individuals with strong moral values.
It was noted that this is the only school in the Sofia region where all students study religion under the guidance of well-trained theologians. Teachers also spoke about their excellent cooperation with local clergy and municipal authorities, which contributes significantly to the school’s educational and formative work.
During the meeting, the school’s director expressed the desire of the administration to build an Orthodox chapel in the central school building. The chapel would support the teaching of religion classes and enhance the spiritual education of students. The project is expected to be implemented with the support of the Kostenets Municipality, donors, and the school’s own budget. Discussions during the visit also addressed the name, iconography, and arrangement of the future chapel.
Patriarch Daniel also toured the school’s facilities, including newly established STEM classrooms dedicated to natural sciences, mathematics, history and civilization, geography, and economics, as well as a center supporting children at risk and students with special educational needs.
At the conclusion of the visit, the Bulgarian Patriarch offered his blessing to the school’s administration, teachers, and students, wishing them health and success in their educational work.
Text and photos: Vesela Ignatova, Patriarchate of Bulgaria
