site.btaEducation Minister, Patriarch Daniil Discuss Education System, Orthodox Church's Cooperation

Caretaker Education Minister Galin Tsokov and Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia Daniil Friday held a meeting to discuss the challenges facing modern education and the cooperation between the education system and the Orthodox Church, the press centre of the Ministry said here on Friday.

Tsokov said that the Ministry has already approved religious textbooks and curriculum, adding that over the years, the number of teachers capable of lecturing religion has increased. During the meeting, it became clear that the newly issued textbooks are free of charge starting this school year and have already been delivered to Bulgarian schools. According to Tsokov, the cooperation between educational institutions and Orthodox Church is being developed under various Education Ministry’s programmes. "We are also amending the rules of student trips, envisaging that each trip will include a visit to cultural and educational institutions. This will also encourage more students to visit and learn about the country's religious temples," the Minister said.

Patriarch Daniil stressed the need for more spiritual care among adolescents. He emphasized that the Church has always played a central role in the life of Bulgarians, and the nation’s first enlighteners were clergymen, therefore the tradition and strong connection between education and Orthodoxy should be maintained and developed.