site.btaPatriarch Daniil: Human Laws Must Be In Harmony With Natural, Divine Laws

“Attempts to write laws that run counter to God’s law continue to this day,” said Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil on Thursday in Veliko Tarnovo at the opening of observances of the Day of the Bulgarian Constitution.

The event, held at the Revival and Constituent Assembly Museum, where the Tarnovo Constitution was adopted on April 16, 1879, is also part of the commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of Bulgaria’s Constitutional Court.

In his speech, Patriarch Daniil expressed gratitude to the builders of post-liberation Bulgaria and to the deputies of the Constituent Assembly, who laid the foundations of Bulgarian statehood with the Tarnovo Constitution. He also highlighted Article 37, according to which Orthodox Christianity is the dominant religion in the Principality of Bulgaria.

According to him, after the totalitarian period, lawmakers from the Seventh Grand National Assembly restored continuity by recognizing Eastern Orthodoxy as the traditional religion in the Republic of Bulgaria. The Patriarch underscored that human laws must be in harmony with natural law and divine law, and that deviations from this principle in history have led to serious consequences, suffering, and injustice.

He cited as examples the totalitarian regimes of the 20th century, as well as unjust laws in democratic societies, and expressed regret that even today there are continued attempts to pass legislation that, in his view, contradicts God’s law. Patriarch Daniil also highlighted the important role of the legislature and of the Constitutional Court as a corrective mechanism for the constitutionality of laws.

According to him, injustice and distrust toward institutions have accumulated in society, which requires joint efforts to overcome. He noted that in its 35 years, the Constitutional Court has demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and impartiality, and assured jurists that they are always in the prayers of the Church.