The Bulgarian Orthodox Church has officially expressed its support for the introduction of a new mandatory school subject titled “Virtues and Religions,” aimed at enriching the moral and spiritual education of students nationwide. The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church – Bulgarian Patriarchate issued a statement backing draft law №51-502-01-37, submitted by the Bulgarian Council of Ministers on July 21, 2025.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend the existing Preschool and School Education Act to incorporate the new subject into public school curricula beginning with the 2026/2027 academic year. The subject will offer students the option to choose from three tracks: “Religion – Orthodoxy,” “Religion – Islam,” or “Virtues/Ethics.”

The Holy Synod praised the initiative, highlighting that it aligns with educational practices in many European countries where religious and ethical instruction forms part of compulsory schooling. Church leaders emphasized the special role of Orthodoxy in Bulgaria’s national identity and stressed that the “Religion – Orthodoxy” program will provide students with comprehensive knowledge about their traditional faith, its history, cultural heritage, and moral foundations.

The statement underscored the value-forming influence of Orthodox theology in nurturing virtues such as love, compassion, honesty, and respect for human dignity. Furthermore, the Synod cited successful examples of Orthodox religious education in Greece and Romania, where similar subjects have helped foster culturally rich and morally resilient societies.

The draft law is currently undergoing parliamentary debate between its first and second readings, with ongoing discussions focused on clarifying how educational content will be coordinated with representatives of various religious communities and refining language related to confessional teaching.

The Holy Synod expressed hope for constructive dialogue and wished lawmakers success in advancing the spiritual and ethical development of Bulgaria’s youth.