In an interview with Bulgarian National Television (BNT), Patriarch Daniel of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church spoke extensively on the recently proposed school subject “Virtues and Religion,” defending its value for both personal growth and national cohesion.
A Longstanding Appeal by the Church
Patriarch Daniel began by emphasizing that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has advocated for religious education since the early 1990s. While the name of the course may vary—once known as “Catechism” or “Divine Law”—its goal remains constant: to nurture spiritual health and moral formation among the nation’s youth.
“The root of every human crisis,” said the Patriarch, “is our alienation from God. Material wealth and technological advancement cannot bring inner peace or societal harmony if there is no spiritual foundation.”
A Response to Social Crisis
The Patriarch cited the 1940s writings of Metropolitan Boris of Nevrokop, who observed that removing religious education led to spikes in crime and moral decay in countries like France. He warned that without exposure to values like compassion, self-restraint, and forgiveness, young people may fall prey to forces like hatred, envy, and vengeance—destructive impulses that tear families and communities apart.
“Faith cannot be imposed,” he noted. “But children should at least have the chance to know there is another way to live. Education in virtues and religion offers that chance.”
Ethical Alternatives for Concerned Parents
Responding to those who oppose the subject out of fear of indoctrination, Patriarch Daniel stressed that the new course will offer an “Ethics” track as an alternative for families who prefer a secular approach. “There is no parent who doesn’t want their child to grow up honest, kind, and courageous,” he said. “This course is about education—not coercion.”
A Call for Qualified Teachers and Institutional Support
Patriarch Daniel acknowledged challenges regarding trained educators but expressed optimism that Bulgarian universities are already developing programs to certify future teachers in this field. He believes that with the course integrated into the regular school curriculum and properly funded, more candidates will be inspired to prepare for this vital role.
Church-State Cooperation and Social Outreach
Highlighting the constitutional recognition of the Orthodox Church as Bulgaria’s traditional religion, the Patriarch praised the state’s ongoing support for clergy salaries and church repairs. He also noted the Church’s own robust social work: summer camps for children, soup kitchens, free courses in iconography and woodcarving, and religious instruction—all examples of how the Church complements state efforts in moral and social development.
A Message of Unity and Hope
Asked what can truly unite Bulgarians today, Patriarch Daniel pointed to love—the divine, sacrificial love that starts with faith. “Only when we stop viewing others as strangers and start seeing them as brothers,” he said, “can we be truly united.”
His Prayer for Bulgaria
In conclusion, the Patriarch offered a heartfelt prayer: “May God shine His face upon us. May He turn our hearts to Him. May we not wander like sheep without a shepherd. Let us recognize that He is what we are truly searching for—and let us find salvation in Him. May God protect Bulgaria.”
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria / bntnews.bg
