site.btaParliament Makes Bulgarian Orthodox Church - Bulgarian Patriarchate Sole Representative of Eastern Orthodox Christianity in Bulgaria

Parliament Friday adopted conclusively revisions to the Religious Denominations Act, which define the Bulgarian Orthodox Church - Bulgarian Patriarchate as the sole representative of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The bill was backed by 186 MPs in the 240-seat legislature. The support came from all parliamentary groups, with one MP from Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria voting "against".

This piece of legislation was initiated in response to a December 16, 2024 judgment of the Supreme Court of Cassation which entered a religious institution named "Old Calendar Orthodox Church of Bulgaria" in the register of religious denominations with the Sofia City Court.

Under the transitional and final provisions, the pending registration proceedings that are contrary to this provision are to be terminated and the effected registrations of such religious denominations are to be expunged by the Sofia City Court, acting on a motion by the Council of Ministers' Directorate of Religious Denominations or a prosecutor.

The amendment does not allow registration of another denomination containing in its name the word "Orthodox" or related words. The provision was backed by 173 MPs, with 11 MPs of MECh abstaining.

No later than two months from the entry into force of the revisions, any registrations or pending registrations are to change the name of registration with the Sofia City Court. Registrations that remain non-compliant will be terminated.