The Holy Metropolis of Sofia has announced the release of new textbooks for the subject “Religion-Orthodoxy,” prepared by the Holy Synod and approved by the Ministry of Education and Science (MES).
These textbooks, covering grades 1 through 12, are now available for teachers in general education and Sunday schools within the Sofia Eparchy.
Educators can request the textbooks by submitting a form at the Holy Metropolis office in Sofia or via email, with the application period open from September 1 to 15, 2024.
The Bulgarian Patriarchate’s website has praised the creation and implementation of these synodal textbooks as a significant achievement in modern Bulgarian education.
The initiative aims to enrich the national curriculum with educational content that was previously absent, offering a structured and comprehensive study of Christianity and the Orthodox faith.
This effort represents a major advancement in the development of the subject “Religion” and seeks to establish strong cross-curricular connections throughout the students’ academic journey.
The introduction of the new textbooks is seen as addressing a crucial gap in the current educational system, which has long been criticized for lacking in-depth religious instruction.
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church believes that a thorough understanding of Orthodox Christianity is essential not only for spiritual growth but also for enhancing students’ cultural and historical awareness.
By studying the Orthodox faith, students are expected to gain a broader cultural understanding and develop a deeper appreciation for subjects such as history, language, and the moral values embedded in Bulgarian society.
The content of the textbooks has been carefully crafted to be age-appropriate, with engaging themes that resonate with students from primary through secondary school.
The Bulgarian Patriarchate emphasizes that the textbooks are designed to instill virtues such as kindness, patience, and reverence for God, aligning with the moral teachings of the Orthodox Church.
This educational approach is expected to foster a stronger sense of community and national identity among young Bulgarians, while also encouraging personal growth and ethical behavior.
The preparation and approval of these textbooks have involved extensive collaboration between the Holy Synod and the Ministry of Education and Science. This partnership highlights the growing recognition of religious education as an important component of the national curriculum.
The MES’s approval signals official support for integrating Orthodox religious studies into mainstream education, reflecting a broader effort to promote cultural and spiritual heritage in schools.
Teachers in the Sofia Eparchy have welcomed the new textbooks, noting that they provide valuable resources for delivering a more holistic and well-rounded education.
The availability of these textbooks is expected to enhance the teaching of Orthodox Christianity in both general education and Sunday schools, ensuring that students receive consistent and high-quality instruction on the subject.
The Holy Metropolis of Sofia encourages educators to take advantage of this opportunity and requests that all interested teachers submit their textbook requests within the designated timeframe.
By incorporating these new resources into their teaching, educators will contribute to a more comprehensive and enriched learning experience for their students.
The release of these new textbooks marks a key development in the ongoing efforts to strengthen religious education in Bulgaria, with the potential to impact generations of students and shape the future of Bulgarian society.