The first Bulgarian-Georgian scholarly symposium dedicated to the history of relations between the two Orthodox traditions was held at Bachkovo Monastery, one of the most important historical meeting points between the spiritual and cultural traditions of Bulgaria and Georgia.

The event brought together scholars and representatives of the Bulgarian and Georgian Orthodox Churches to examine the centuries-old spiritual and cultural ties between the two peoples, according to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

The symposium was opened by Bishop Sioniy of Velichka, abbot of Bachkovo Monastery. In his welcoming remarks, he emphasized the importance of such gatherings for strengthening ties between the Bulgarian and Georgian Orthodox Churches and preserving direct spiritual communication between them.

Messages of greeting were sent by Patriarch Shio III of Georgia and Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria. Their messages highlighted the importance of the initiative for developing the historical relationship between the two Churches. Both patriarchs also drew attention to the value of direct human interaction at a time of rapid technological and digital development.

The symposium was attended by specialists from the Korneli Kekelidze Georgian National Centre of Manuscripts, the Georgian St. George the Hagiorite Center, the Darbazi Bulgarian-Georgian Spiritual and Cultural Center, and the St. John of Damascus Center for the Study of Patristic Heritage.

Participants presented research on Georgian monasteries in the Byzantine Empire, liturgical practice, contacts between Bulgarian and Georgian delegations at the Council of Ferrara-Florence, and Bulgaria’s historical connections with Georgian and Armenian lands within the Byzantine Empire.

The roots of Bulgarian-Georgian relations reach back at least to the Middle Ages. Researchers emphasize that Orthodox Christianity was a major factor connecting the two peoples. Their contacts developed through Constantinople, monasteries in Asia Minor, Mount Athos and, particularly, the territory of present-day Bulgaria.

Bachkovo Monastery occupies a special place in this history. The monastery was founded in 1083 by Gregory Pakourianos, a Georgian-born military commander in the Byzantine Empire. Its original charter was written in Greek, Georgian and Armenian.

The monastery was initially home primarily to Georgian monks and became an important center of Georgian literary culture, theology and education. Among the prominent Georgian scholars associated with Bachkovo was John Petritsi, a noted philosopher and theologian.

The symposium highlighted the monastery’s enduring role as a place where Bulgarian and Georgian Christian traditions have intersected for centuries, while providing an opportunity for contemporary scholars and Church representatives to continue studying and preserving that shared heritage.