On November 1, in honor of the Day of National Enlighteners, the photo project "Broken Faith" was unveiled in Varna, according to the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). The project, created by photographer Radoslav Pyrvanov, sheds light on Bulgaria’s neglected, forgotten, and deteriorating churches. The exhibition showcases photographs of twenty churches, selected from over fifty that the photographer captured across the country.

Pyrvanov emphasizes that his project aims to draw public attention to the condition of these abandoned churches. As a result of the exhibitions and publications, people have begun to contemplate restoration efforts, sparking initiatives for fundraising and volunteer support. The exhibition’s organizers also plan to launch a website featuring photographs and stories about these forgotten churches.

One notable example in the exhibition is the Church of St. John of Rila in the village of Gorni Ugorelets, built in 1926. After the local priest's death, the church was abandoned, but in recent years, residents—some of whom are descendants of the original builders—have resumed restoration work. Funds are being raised on social media, and volunteers have already reinforced the foundation, repaired the roof, and restored the bell tower. A new cross now stands on the dome, and work continues. Soon, villagers plan to retrieve the church bell that was relocated to a neighboring village. As Pyrvanov highlights, the restoration in Gorni Ugorelets exemplifies how a church can regain its place as a center of spiritual life.

Photo: BTA / Radoslav Pyrvanov