site.btaPM Borissov, Patriarch Neophyte Confer on Common Fields of Action, Recent Developments

117 PRIME MINISTER - PATRIARCH -MEETING

PM Borissov, Patriarch Neophyte Confer
on Common Fields of Action,
Recent Developments


Sofia, January 13 (BTA) - The difficulties Bulgarian society
faced in the past year have returned its thoughts to faith and
the desire to repent, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said at a
meeting with Patriarch Neophyte Tuesday, the Holy Synod said in
a press release. The Prime Minister expressed conviction that
everyone has learnt his or her lesson about the best way for the
development of the state.

Borissov and the Patriarch condemned all forms of terrorism and
expressed solidarity with the victims of the Paris attacks and
the French people.

The Prime Minister also expressed conviction that the Bulgarian
Orthodox Church will contribute to maintaining mutual respect
between religious denominations in a time charged with many
challenges.

The sides also outlined the fields in which the actions of the
state and the church overlap, and could cooperate on a more
active basis. These include social activity, culture, education
and care for Bulgarians abroad, and concrete projects to
continue work were also outlined.

Borissov has also undertaken to try and raise funds for the
restoration of the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and for the
rehabilitation of the Theology Department building. Meetings
between representatives of the church and incumbent ministers
were also agreed, and a working meeting with European Funds and
Economic Policy Minister Tomislav Donchev was held at the
suggestion of Borissov./LI/BR