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
UOC Kryvyi Rih Eparchy marks 30th anniversary
Metropolitan Yefrem led the anniversary Divine Liturgy in Kryvyi Rih.
Ostapenko: Everyone in UCCRO feels fine except the “FSB UOC”
The director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve called the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches “a wonderful organization.”
Khmelnytskyi Eparchy donates funds for treatment of 12-year-old girl
UOC believers raised UAH 20,000 for Anastasiia Mamchur as part of an eparchial charity campaign.
Shevchuk: We had to convince world UOC ban does not violate religious freedom
The UGCC head claims that by banning the UOC, the state is not violating religious freedom but merely protecting the Church’s faithful from Moscow propaganda.
Lavra reserve head estimates damage to Dormition Cathedral at €15 million
Maksym Ostapenko said restoring the Dormition Cathedral would take at least a couple of years and require major funding.
DESS official says state should not govern the Church
A DESS official called for cooperation between the state and the Church for the benefit of citizens.