site.btaPresident Meets with Representatives of Bulgarian Orthodox Community in Turkiye and Holy Synod of Bulgarian Orthodox Church

President Rumen Radev met on Monday with representatives of the boards of the Foundation of the Orthodox Churches of the Bulgarian Exarchate in Istanbul and of the Foundation of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church St. George the Victorious in Edirne, as well as with the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC). Vice President Iliana Iotova also took part in the conversation, said the press centre of the head of State.

During the meeting, the significant role of the two Bulgarian Orthodox foundations in the Republic of Turkiye for the preservation and development of Bulgarian spirituality and the preservation of the Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage was noted. The possibilities for the development of cooperation with the Bulgarian side with a view to protect the interests of the Bulgarian Orthodox community were discussed. 

The issue of preserving the Bulgarian temples in Istanbul and Edirne will always be of great importance, President radev pointed out, recalling the historical role of the Bulgarian Exarchate in the construction of the Bulgarian statehood. In this context, it is particularly important to guarantee the continuation of  holding services in Bulgarian within the church canon. A more active dialogue between the Bulgarian foundations in the Republic of Turkiye and the Holy Synod of the BOC would contribute to defending the interests of the community

The representatives of the Holy Synod expressed their gratitude to Radev for his attention and support in solving all the issues raised in the meetings.