What is the main religion in Bulgaria. What is the faith, religion and rituals in Bulgaria? What are the religions in Bulgaria besides Christian
In 342 in Serdike(now Sofia) a religious gathering of bishops was held to strengthen harmony between the Western and Eastern churches.
Few lands in the world have been subjected to so many invasions and migrations from antiquity to the Middle Ages.
In this whirlpool, Christian communities survived only in some isolated places.
Among the new conquerors in the 6th century, the predominant part was Slavic; in the next century, the Pro-Bulgarians, led by Khan Asparuh, crossed the Danube and created a state - Bulgaria.
The Slavs united in the fight against the Byzantines. Under these circumstances, there could be no question of baptism: the West was in complete decline, the Latin missionaries were completely occupied with introducing Christianity to the German peoples and those who arrived from Byzantium the missionaries were received with hostility because of the constant wars between the empire and the Bulgarians.
This situation completely changed in the middle of the ninth century. It was then that social, economic and political factors combined to facilitate the spread of Christianity.
Cautious and prudent leader of the Bulgarians - the king Boris I he realized that there should not be a single pagan left, that baptism (adoption of the Christian religion) would strengthen him authoritatively, he would be considered not an ordinary leader, but "God's chosen one", and this would give him the opportunity to be the first among the military aristocracy.
In 1865, the king was baptized by a Greek missionary, and his example is followed by the broad masses despite the discontent of the aristocracy.
The Eastern Orthodox religion is perceived by the people, vetoes life and culture. Its first socio-political result is expressed in the process of merging the pro-Bulgarians and the Slavs.
prevailing religion in Bulgaria is Orthodox. While maintaining its inherent orthodox structure, the Bulgarian Church, which adopted the same dogmas and disciplines as the rest Orthodox churches, is an autocephalous church, i.e. governs his inner life in a completely independent way.
Bulgarian church headed Patriarch, which, together with the Synod of Metropolitans, exercise supreme power.
Metropolitans, in accordance with religious canons, are irremovable; once elected, believers cannot be transferred from one diocese to another. An exception is possible only with promotion to the rank of patriarch.
Each diocese is divided into a certain number of enoria. Each enoria is headed by a leader who, according to Orthodox rules in most cases, a married priest.
Matters of material security are decided by the secular (lay) council. The clergy also benefit from the established social security system.
In addition to the mentioned Eastern Orthodox Church in Bulgaria, which unites part of Christianity in Bulgaria, the rest Christian confessions make up a small part: Catholics, Armenians, Protestants.
There is a certain number of followers of various sects: Methodists, Baptists, Congregationalists, Adventists and others.
At the start of World War II, there were approximately 60,000 Jews in Bulgaria. Thanks to the intervention of the authorities and the entire people, they escaped their fatal end, which befell many of their fellow religious in other countries occupied by the Nazis.
After creation State of Israel, 90% of Bulgarian Jews emigrated. The Israeli community has synagogues in Sofia, Plovdiv, Ruse, but there are few parishioners.
Islam in Bulgaria- a natural consequence of the Ottoman yoke. Muslims in Bulgaria represent the most numerous stratum after the Orthodox. According to ethnicity, they are divided into three groups:
Turks living in compact masses in the regions of Shumen, Razgrad, Kardzhali, Haskovo,
- Gypsies scattered in small groups throughout the country,
- Pomaci, having a Christian root, who forcibly converted to Islam during the Turkish occupation in the middle of the 17th century, are most often found in the Rhodopes.
All these religious communities exist legally and live in peace and harmony.
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Today, religions in Bulgaria are approximately represented as follows: the Bulgarian Orthodox Church - 85%, Islam - 13%, Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism.
The territory of today's Bulgaria is geographically located on the border between the former western and eastern parts of the Roman Empire in the 4th and 5th centuries. This predetermined the religious orientation of the country.
In 342, a religious council of bishops was held in Serdika (now Sofia) to strengthen harmony between the Western and Eastern churches.
Few lands in the world have been subjected to so many invasions and migrations from antiquity to the Middle Ages. In this whirlpool, Christian communities survived only in some isolated places.
Among the new conquerors in the 6th century, the predominant part was Slavic; in the next century, the pro-Bulgarians, led by Khan Asparuh, crossed the Danube and created the state - Bulgaria. The Slavs united in the fight against the Byzantines. Under these circumstances, there could be no question of baptism: the west was in complete decline, the Latin missionaries were fully occupied with introducing Christianity to the Germanic peoples, and the missionaries who arrived from Byzantium were received with hostility because of the constant wars between the empire and the Bulgarians.
This situation completely changed in the middle of the ninth century. It was then that social, economic and political factors combined to facilitate the spread of Christianity. The cautious and prudent leader of the Bulgarians, Tsar Boris I, realized that not a single pagan should remain, that baptism (adoption of the Christian religion) would strengthen his authority, that he would be considered not an ordinary leader, but "God's chosen one" and this would give him the opportunity to be first among the military aristocracy. In 1865, the king was baptized by a Greek missionary, and his example is followed by the broad masses despite the discontent of the aristocracy.
The Eastern Orthodox religion is perceived by the people, penetrates into their life and culture. Its first socio-political result is expressed in the process of merging the pro-Bulgarians and the Slavs.
The predominant religion in Bulgaria is Orthodox. Preserving its inherent orthodox structure, the Bulgarian Church, which has adopted the same dogmas and disciplines as the rest of the Orthodox Churches, is an autocephalous church, i.e. governs his inner life in a completely independent way.
The Bulgarian Church is headed by a Patriarch. The Patriarch, together with the Synod of Metropolitans, exercises supreme religious authority. Metropolitans, in accordance with religious canons, are irremovable; once elected, believers cannot be transferred from one diocese to another. An exception is possible only with promotion to the rank of patriarch.
Each diocese of the Bulgarian Church is divided into a certain number of enoria. Each enoria is headed by a leader, who, according to Orthodox rules, in most cases is a married priest. Matters of material security are decided by the secular (lay) council. The clergy of Bulgaria also enjoys the established social security system.
In addition to the mentioned Eastern Orthodox Bulgarian Church, which unites a part of Christianity in Bulgaria, other Christian denominations make up a small part: Catholics, Protestants. There is a certain number of followers of various sects: Methodists, Baptists, Congregationalists, Adventists and others.
At the start of World War II, there were approximately 60,000 Jews in Bulgaria. Thanks to the intervention of the authorities and the entire people of Bulgaria, they avoided their fatal end, which befell many of their religious brethren in other countries occupied by the Nazis. After the establishment of the State of Israel, 90% of Bulgarian Jews emigrated. The Jewish community in Bulgaria has synagogues in Sofia, Plovdiv, Ruse, but there are few parishioners.
Islam in Bulgaria is a natural consequence of the Ottoman yoke. Muslims in Bulgaria represent the most numerous stratum after the Orthodox. By ethnicity, they are divided into three groups: - Turks living in compact masses in the regions of Shumen, Razgrad, Kardzhali, Haskovo; - Gypsies scattered in small groups throughout the country; middle of the XVII century, most often found in the Rhodopes.
All these religious communities in Bulgaria exist legally and live in peace and harmony.
Dynovism
One of the most widespread non-traditional religions in Bulgaria is Dynovism. Its founder Peter Dynov I (1864-1944) was born into a family Orthodox priest, received a theological education, but departed from Orthodoxy, having created by 1918 a new religious and mystical doctrine of the rebirth of the soul and the animation of objects, uniting theosophy, the works of Blavatsky and the Roerichs, as well as Dynov's own revelations, who called himself "Beins Duno's teacher."
Members of the Dynovists' Society live in many Bulgarian towns. Every year from March 22 to September 22, they perform the so-called ritual of paneurhythmy (universal cosmic rhythm) - they meet the sunrise with songs, music and gymnastic exercises in certain places - on Mount Vitosha or in the Rila Lakes region in the Rila Mountains.
Good afternoon friends!
Today I will tell you about which religion in Bulgaria ranks first in terms of the number of followers. And also, let's talk about how and when other confessions got into the country.
I want to please you right away - all religions coexist peacefully here. Everyone is welcome here, regardless of religion.
From this article you will learn:
World religions peacefully coexist side by side
Today, Christianity is predominant in Bulgaria - about 80% of citizens. Most of them are Orthodox, the second place is Protestants (1.12%), and Catholicism is only 0.8%. Also, let's not forget about Armenian apostolicism (0.03%). The remaining 20% of the inhabitants of Bulgaria profess Islam (10%), Judaism (0.012%), and other world religions.
I have a whole section about Bulgaria and moving to this country. Read if you are interested.
Orthodoxy
And yet, Christianity has been the main religion for many centuries. Christianity arrived here in the 1st century AD. e. As the saying goes, the founder religious movement became Amplius, a disciple of the Apostle Paul. He founded the first episcopal see in Varna.
Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky, Sofia
Islam
Islam came to the territory of the state along with the Turkish conquerors. The inhabitants were forced to convert to Islam almost by force. Since the Middle Ages (XIV century), the majority of Bulgarian Islamists are ethnic Turks. But, Islam is also practiced by ethnic Bulgarians - Pomaks.
Pomaks, 1932
Catholicism
The third largest number is occupied by Catholicism, belonging to the Roman Catholic branch. Although, the Greek Catholic movement was the first to get here. Catholicism comes to XIV century. Merchants, miners, travelers from Europe brought their faith, which took root over time. To admire Cathedral St. Ludwig - visit the city of Plovdiv.
Judaism
Jews have lived in this area for a very long time, about 2000 years. They came here during the persecution by the Catholic kings of Spain. All major cities have synagogues. The community is not numerous, but Judaism belongs to one of the main religions of the country.
State and Church
A constitutional republic allows freedom of choice of faith for its citizens. This right for them is enshrined in the Constitution of Bulgaria. There are very rare cases of disputes, conflicts on the basis of faith. Although, only 14% of all residents of the country consider themselves true believers here.
About the development of Bulgaria and, read in my next articles.
Thank you for your attention, friends. I hope this article was useful and interesting for you.
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I was with you, Natalya Glukhova, I wish you a good day!
IN modern world is secular state. The human right to freedom of choice of religion is enshrined in the country's constitution. Traditionally, the majority of residents (about 75 percent) consider themselves adherents of Orthodoxy. Protestantism, Catholicism, Judaism and Islam are also common in Bulgaria.
From the history
The Christian religion on the territory of Bulgaria was learned in the 1st century AD. e. A disciple of Paul, one of the apostles, arrived in Varna. His name was Amplius, and he founded the first episcopal see in the country. Since then, there have been Christian temples, artists began to paint icons. In the 4th century, a meeting of bishops was held in the capital of Sofia in order to strengthen harmony between the churches of the West and the East. The spread of Christianity throughout the state began only in the 9th century. Tsar Boris I decided that the country should be baptized, and this happened.
Now in the capital you can see temples in close proximity to each other different religions and confessions. Not many religious buildings of the Middle Ages have survived to our times. Among them is the temple of St. Paraskeva-Petka of Tarnovskaya, dating back to the 13th century. And the famous monument - the Nevsky Cathedral - was built only in 1908.
Islam
During the Turkish conquests, local residents were forced to convert to Islam, which became another religion in Bulgaria. Many Muslims moved to the country from other states. Gradually, the number of adherents of this religion increased. Gypsies, Greeks, some Bulgarians adopted Islam in order to save families from having to pay taxes to the Turks.
IN XVIII-XIX centuries the number of Muslims among the inhabitants of the country began to decline. Many have left the country. Only isolated settlements of Muslims remained in the southeastern part of the country. Mostly they are gypsies, Turks, Pomaks (the so-called Islamized Bulgarians), there are some other nationalities: Arabs, Bosnians. There are several mosques throughout the country. The main one is located in the capital, in the same place as the Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky. The Banya Bashi Mosque was built in the 16th century; it is one of the oldest in all of Europe. The unique historical monument is made of brick and stone, has a lot of turrets, columns, arches, an elegant minaret in its design. The mosque was built by Sinan, a famous engineer from the Ottoman era.
Judaism
Jews have long met on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria. Jewish people lived in Thrace during the existence of the Roman Empire. This is evidenced by the ruins of synagogues found by archaeologists in some provincial cities and towns. Especially mass resettlement of Jews began in the 7th century. The people, who suffered persecution in Byzantium, were looking for more peaceful places to live. Certain rights were promised to the Jews by the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, hoping that they would help enrich the state. At that time, three large Jewish communities arose: Ashkenazi, Sephardi and Romanites. Over time, the rights of the Jews became equal to the rights of ordinary citizens of Bulgaria. They served in the army, took part in wars.
After World War II, Jews began to move to Israel en masse. More than 40 thousand people left. Today, the number of adherents of Judaism is only one hundredth of a percent. At the same time, synagogues have been preserved in many cities in Bulgaria, only two are active. The majestic Sophia Synagogue was opened in 1909.
This unusual architectural structure was built in the style of the Moorish Revival. Rich interiors are decorated with the heaviest chandelier weighing 1.7 tons. The building is located in the central part of the city. The second synagogue in Bulgaria can be seen in Plovdiv.
Christianity in Bulgaria
The Christian religion in the country is represented by three directions. In addition to Orthodox people, there are also adherents of Protestantism (just over one percent) and Catholicism (0.8 percent). The Church does not depend on the power of the state and other church organizations. The spread of the Catholic faith began in the 14th century.
In contrast to the current situation, under the communist regime, believers experienced severe censure and attacks from the authorities. It was forbidden to publish and have religious literature at home. This state of affairs lasted until the 1970s.
Gradually in Bulgaria it became tolerable. By the end of the last century, a huge number of sectarian movements and communities appeared. Now, despite the fact that most of the population identifies themselves as Christians, people have become less religious, attend church less often, practically do not observe religious customs and fasts. The head of the Bulgarian is the Patriarch, and the Synod of Metropolitans participates in the adoption of some important decisions.
Protestantism
In the second half of the XIX century. in the Bulgarian town of Bansko for the first time appeared a community of Protestants. It is believed that this was the result of the activities of missionaries who arrived from America. In the northern part of the country, the Methodist denomination is spreading, and the first churches are being erected. In the south, followers of congregationalism began to appear. And at the end of the century, Baptist and Adventist communities are organized. A few more decades later, the Protestant groups were replenished with Pentecostals who arrived from Russia.
Now different faiths interact with each other. The number of Pentecostals continues to grow, this faith is accepted by many gypsies. Some communities are seriously involved educational activities arrange their own institutes, courses. All these numerous organizations of different faiths are not only concentrated in the capital, but are also present in Plevna, Stavertsy and some other cities.
Armenian Apostolicism
Apostolic is also an offshoot of Christianity and one of the religions of Bulgaria. The Armenian community moved to this country during the genocide of 1915. The population has grown in the last 20-30 years, and now the community has more than 10 thousand people (and according to some sources, more than 50 thousand). Armenians live in Sofia, Burgas, Plovdiv and other settlements.
During the period of communism, like other religious associations, the community experienced serious difficulties. A revival took place after 1989. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the establishment of relations between Armenia and Bulgaria, new members of the diaspora began to arrive in the country again. Armenians care about the preservation of traditions and cultural heritage, they try to ennoble churches. Among them - the church of St. George in Plovdiv, the church in Burgas, built in memory of the events of the genocide.
