The Bulgarian Orthodox Church has called for the introduction of mandatory religion classes in schools

The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has officially endorsed a legislative initiative to include the subject “Virtues and Religion” in the school curriculum as a required course. According to Orthodox Times, a statement to that effect was published on September 18 in connection with the introduction of two bills to the 52nd National Assembly of Bulgaria.

The proposed curriculum allows for flexibility, including such areas as “Religion—Orthodoxy,” “Religion—Islam,” and “Ethics and Civic Education.” The Synod emphasized that the purpose of these classes is not religious indoctrination, but rather the development of basic religious literacy necessary for understanding the country’s cultural and historical heritage.

The Church has made a number of substantial proposals for revising the bill. In particular, it is proposed that curricula and teacher candidates be coordinated with the relevant religious communities. Thus, to teach Orthodox Christianity, a teacher will need a recommendation from the diocesan church administration. In addition, representatives of the clergy advocate that the subject be taught for at least one hour per week and that its implementation begin in the 2027–2028 school year, starting in first grade and gradually expanding through twelfth grade.

The statement devotes special attention to the issue of assessment. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church considers it appropriate to assign grades for the subject “Virtues and Religion,” explaining that the grading system should reflect a student’s level of knowledge rather than their personal religious beliefs.