On January 16, Metropolitan Antony of Western and Central Europe and the Director General of the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), Milen Mitev, signed a cooperation agreement at the seat of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church’s Western and Central Europe Diocese in Berlin.
The agreement aims to promote the role of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in preserving the religious and cultural identity of Bulgarians living abroad. It highlights initiatives such as fostering church community life, Christian education, dialogues, mutual aid, and charitable and cultural events to strengthen Bulgarian unity beyond national borders.
Metropolitan Antony emphasized that this collaboration offers an opportunity to raise awareness about the Church’s missionary work abroad. He noted that Bulgarian Orthodox churches overseas act as “spiritual bridges,” connecting people to their homeland through prayer and faith. The Metropolitan highlighted the challenges faced by Bulgarians living abroad and how the Church provides a place of solace, support, and guidance, becoming a “second home” for many.
As part of this partnership, BNR’s “Radio Bulgaria” will launch a new podcast series, “Bridge of Faith,” showcasing the Bulgarian Orthodox communities across 14 countries within the diocese. The podcast will delve into the history, current activities, and spiritual missions of these 43 church communities, offering insight into their vital role in supporting Bulgarians abroad.
Director General Milen Mitev expressed his enthusiasm for formalizing the collaboration, emphasizing the mutual goal of serving Bulgarians globally. Quoting Scripture, he said, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labor” (Eccl. 4:9). He highlighted the unifying role of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and BNR in connecting Bulgarian communities both at home and abroad, sharing their stories and challenges, and emphasizing the Church’s significance in fostering a sense of belonging.
The “Bridge of Faith” podcast will also spotlight the Bulgarian clergy abroad, exploring their unique challenges, contributions, and spiritual impact on Orthodox Bulgarians living outside the homeland. A joint project of the diocese and BNR, the podcast will feature contributions from Alexandra Karamikhaleva, editor-in-chief of Church Newspaper, and Darina Grigorova, senior editor at Radio Bulgaria.
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria
