Bulgarian Patriarch gives recommendations on teaching "Religion" in schools

Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil at the residence of the Holy Synod with the parliamentary group "BSP". Photo: BNR 90

On November 5, 2025, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria made recommendations for the introduction of the school subject "Virtues and Religions," approved by parliament in the first reading. This was reported by the agency 24 Chasa.

Patriarch Daniel supported the idea of a mandatory course, emphasizing that "it is time to return religious education to its rightful place in school." According to the Patriarch, the subject should be taught in the spirit of traditional Christian values and contribute to the formation of morality, responsibility, and respect for the faith and culture of the Bulgarian people.

Patriarch Daniel also recommended that the teachers be specialists with theological education, trained at Sofia University or theological seminaries. The Church, he noted, is ready to provide methodological assistance to the Ministry of Education in developing educational materials.

Additionally, Patriarch Daniel proposed introducing the discipline gradually, starting with elementary grades, where children can be taught the basics of goodness, mercy, and respect for others, and in higher grades – elements of Christian ethics.

According to Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria, the new subject will help raise a generation based on moral and spiritual principles and strengthen the role of family and traditional values in society.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a book "Words, Messages, Answers" by Metropolitan Onufriy was published in Bulgaria.

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