Today, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria and the Metropolitans of the Holy Synod received Prime Minister Rumen Radev at the Synodal Palace.
Patriarch Daniel congratulated the Prime Minister on his electoral victory, wishing him success in his work and ministry for the benefit of the people and the salvation of souls.
‘The Bulgarian state and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church share a common mission to promote the spiritual well-being of our people,’ stated Prime Minister Radev, emphasising that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has historically been a pillar of national memory, culture, history, and traditions, and that this role remains equally significant in a world torn by moral crisis and artificially cultivated nihilism.
A range of issues were discussed during the meeting, including the introduction of the subject ‘Virtues and Religion’ into the country’s educational curriculum. The need to prepare a sufficient number of teachers was also discussed, as was the content of the teaching materials.
The Patriarch noted the positive results in schools where this subject has already been introduced as an elective. At the same time, the Metropolitans of the Holy Synod shared their experience of organising the teaching of the subject ‘Religion – Orthodoxy’ in their respective dioceses.
The meeting also addressed issues of cooperation between state institutions and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church to preserve and develop ties with Bulgarian communities abroad. At the end of the reception, symbolic gifts were exchanged, and the Patriarch presented Prime Minister Radev with an icon of the Saviour, wishing him God’s help and support in his difficult work.
