A meeting between Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria and the parliamentary group “BSP – United Left”, led by party chair and Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov, took place today at the Synodal Palace in Sofia. The central topic of discussion was a bill recently approved at first reading by the National Assembly, which introduces a new mandatory school subject titled “Virtues and Religions”, the press office of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC) reported.

Also attending were Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe, Bishop Gerasim of Melnik — Secretary-General of the Holy Synod — and Associate Professor Dr. Maria Kyoseva, legal adviser to the Synod.

Patriarch Daniel presented the official position of the Holy Synod, expressing full support for the initiative. “It is time to restore religious education to its rightful place in schools,” the Patriarch emphasized. He stated that the subject should be taught “in the spirit of traditional Christian values,” promoting morality, responsibility, and respect for the faith and culture of the Bulgarian people.

The Patriarch proposed that the course be introduced gradually, beginning in the lower grades with lessons focused on kindness, compassion, and respect for others, while older students could study elements of Christian ethics. He also underlined that teachers should possess theological qualifications and be trained at Sofia University or in theological seminaries. The Church, he said, is ready to provide the Ministry of Education with methodological support in developing curricula and teaching materials.

During the discussion, the members of the BSP – United Left group shared feedback from their constituents and addressed issues concerning staffing, teaching methodology, and implementation timelines.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed that the new course, “Virtues and Religions”, would play a vital role in shaping students’ moral compass, helping them grow into responsible citizens of Bulgaria.

According to the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), on October 8 the National Assembly approved at first reading a government bill amending the Preschool and School Education Act. A total of 169 deputies voted in favor, three opposed, and 28 abstained. In addition to introducing the new subject, the bill also provides for language support for children with insufficient Bulgarian proficiency, annual teacher certification, and a new qualification in “Early Education and Care” for professionals working with children from birth to seven years old.