Bulgarian authorities allocate €62.5 million to restore rural churches

Bulgaria’s Ministry of Agriculture. Photo: ministry website

The Bulgarian government will invest €62.5 million in preserving the country’s spiritual and cultural heritage in rural regions, Bulgarian media report.

Agriculture Minister Ivan Hristanov announced details of the program during a visit to the Monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos near the village of Eleshnitsa in Sofia Province. According to the official, religious buildings have for centuries served not only as spiritual centers but also as vital supports for local communities, helping preserve the “social fabric” of villages.

Funds for restoration and reconstruction will be allocated under the Strategic Plan for Agricultural and Rural Development for 2023–2027. Authorities expect the investment to help stem depopulation in rural areas and address demographic challenges.

Representatives of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church thanked the state for its support. Economos Dilyan Tsvetkov of the Sofia Metropolis noted that in difficult times, churches and monasteries remain vital spiritual landmarks for people.

The meeting at the Eleshnitsa Monastery was also attended by the monastery’s abbot, Economos Serafim Yanev, and representatives of several metropolises – Vratsa, Vidin, and Stara Zagora.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Bulgaria had issued euro coins bearing images of Orthodox saints.

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