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.
Read also
Sand for construction of Yermak’s residence brought from cemetery, MP says
MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak said that sand illegally removed from a cemetery in Ukrainka was used in the construction of the elite Dynasty cooperative in Kozyn.
Israeli soldiers receive jail terms for mocking statue of the Virgin Mary
Those involved in the act of sacrilege in the village of Debel will spend several weeks behind bars for desecrating a statue of the Mother of God.
Serbian Church officially receives back land of 15th-century monastery
An agreement was signed in Belgrade transferring the territory of the ancient Vojlovica Monastery to the Banat Eparchy.
Pat Daniiel comments on conflict between Phanar bishop and community in Turkey
The Bulgarian Primate believes that the hierarch of the Constantinople Patriarchate should not have forced the Bulgarian community in Edirne to serve in Greek.
Patriarch Bartholomew congratulates Patriarch Shio on his election
In his message of congratulations, Patriarch Bartholomew called for joint witness before the world within the framework of “pan-Orthodox unity.”
Georgian priest in Germany: Patriarch Shio will preserve Ilia II’s legacy
Priest Elias Schlepegrell, who was present at the election in Tbilisi, said there is a clear disposition toward preserving Ilia II’s line and the unity of the Georgian Church.