BOC Primate: The Church gave birth to school – time for Her to return to it

Patriarch Daniel. Photo: UOJ in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church has expressed its support for the initiative to include a new subject – Virtues and Religion – in the school curriculum. His Holiness Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria and Metropolitan of Sofia announced this after a prayer service at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky, as reported by UOJ in Bulgaria.

In his address to participants of the public procession, the Patriarch reminded them that historically, Bulgarian schools were born from the Church, and returning to their spiritual roots is not only a matter of justice but of cultural survival. “Introducing the subject ‘Virtues and Religion’ will restore historical justice. It will give us the opportunity to be true successors of the work of our first teachers – Saints Cyril and Methodius, their disciples, and all those who have labored for national education up to the present day,” the Patriarch said.

He underscored that without knowledge of the Orthodox faith, it is impossible to deeply understand Bulgarian history, literature, and culture. “The Lord Jesus Christ gave us the example of what the word ‘love’ means. Today, this word is often heard, but in our hearts we see despair, ignorance, fear, division, and selfishness,” said Patriarch Daniel, calling for the return of true spiritual content to the education system.

He gave special attention to the need to introduce children to the faith from an early age. “Children must be introduced, from their school years, to the faith that gave birth to and preserved virtues in the hearts of our saints and ancestors. Only then can we hope that the seeds of goodness will also take root in their souls,” the Patriarch said.

In his view, attempts to push religion to the margins of public life lead to the destruction of moral foundations. He noted that spiritual emptiness results in a crisis of family values and the breakdown of social ties. “There is no vacuum in nature or in the human soul. If we do not uphold goodness there, the destructive power of sin takes over – degrading both the individual and society,” the Patriarch warned.

He also expressed his support for Education Minister Krasimir Valchev and all those who have assumed political responsibility for implementing the initiative. “Let us support the ministry peacefully, meekly, and courageously. Let them know they are not alone. This is the will of the majority of the people,” said Patriarch Daniel.

In conclusion, the Patriarch rejected the claim that religion has no place in modern education: “Many great scientists and Nobel laureates were deeply religious. Their faith helped them remain impartial and diligently study the world as a reflection of divine wisdom. What is scientific about denying the legacy of our holy enlighteners?”

According to His Holiness Daniel, the return of spiritual and moral education to schools is not a step backward, but a necessary condition for the proper formation of future generations, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the spiritual health of the nation.

As the UOJ previously reported, thousands of Bulgarians took part in a public march in support of the subject 'Virtues and Religion.'

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