site.btaChurch Commemorates Restoration of Bulgarian Patriarchate in 1953

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC) celebrates its holiday on May 10, commemorating the formal restoration of the Bulgarian Patriarchate in 1953.

BOC broke away from the Patriarchate of Constantinople in 1870 after five centuries of dependence. Its status as an independent church was not recognized formally until 1945. In 1953, it regained its patriarchal dignity, which had been in place until the end of the 14th century, when Bulgaria fell under Ottoman rule.

The Head of BOC, Patriarch Daniil, officiated a patriarchal liturgy at Sofia’s St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral on Saturday in celebration of the anniversary. On his way into the cathedral, he told journalists: “Patriarchal dignity is high dignity for a local Orthodox church.” Daniil noted that BOC has reinstated its patriarchal dignity three times over the centuries, which shows the maturity of the Church and the ability of the Bulgarians to defend the rights of their Patriarchate.

He highlighted BOC’s contribution to the creation of Bulgarian literature in the 9th century following the emergence of the Bulgarian alphabet. “Nowadays, BOC continues to nurture our people spiritually, so today is a big holiday for all of us.”