President Rumen Radev met today with representatives of the boards of trustees of the Foundation of the Orthodox Churches of the Bulgarian Exarchate in Istanbul and of the St George the Victorious Foundation of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in Edirne, as well as the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Vice President Iliana Iotova also attended the talks.

The significant role of the two Bulgarian Orthodox foundations in the Republic of Turkiye for the preservation and development of Bulgarian spirituality and the conservation of our cultural and historical heritage was noted at the meeting. The prospects for the development of cooperation with the Bulgarian side in order to protect the interests of our Orthodox community were discussed. The issue of preserving the Bulgarian temples in Istanbul and Edirne will always be of great importance, the Head of State stressed, recalling the historical role of the Bulgarian Exarchate in the establishment of Bulgarian statehood. In this context, it is particularly important to ensure the continuation of the ministry in Bulgarian within the framework of the church canon. A more active dialogue between the Bulgarian foundations in the Republic of Turkiye and the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church would contribute to defending the interests of the community.  

The representatives of the Holy Synod expressed their gratitude to the Head of State for his attention and support in resolving all the issues raised at the meetings with him.