Religion in Bulgaria facts for kids

Religion in Bulgaria is an interesting mix of different beliefs. The main religion, followed by most people, is Orthodox Christianity. About 80% of Bulgarians are part of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

Another important religion in Bulgaria is Islam, which is followed by about 13% of the population. There are also smaller groups who practice other religions, like Protestantism and Catholicism.

Bulgaria's constitution says that Orthodox Christianity is the country's traditional religion. But it also makes sure that everyone has the freedom to practice any religion they choose. In some parts of Bulgaria, Islam is the main religion, or even the most common one.

Main Religions in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a country where many different religions live side-by-side. This mix of beliefs has shaped the country's history and culture.

Orthodox Christianity

The largest religious group in Bulgaria follows Orthodox Christianity. This branch of Christianity is very old and has its own unique traditions. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church is an important part of the country's identity. Many beautiful churches and monasteries can be found across Bulgaria, showing the deep roots of this faith.

Islam in Bulgaria

Islam is the second-largest religion in Bulgaria. It has been present in the country for many centuries. People who follow Islam, often called Muslims, live in various parts of Bulgaria. They have their own places of worship called mosques.

Other Religions

Besides Orthodox Christianity and Islam, there are other religious groups in Bulgaria. These include:

• Protestantism: This includes different Christian groups that separated from the Catholic Church in the 16th century.
• Catholicism: Catholics are Christians who follow the Pope in Rome.
• Judaism: There are also small communities of Jewish people in Bulgaria, with their own synagogues.
• Other beliefs: A small number of people follow other spiritual paths or have no religious beliefs.

Freedom of Religion

The country's laws protect everyone's right to choose and practice their own religion. This means that people in Bulgaria are free to believe what they want and to worship in their own way, as long as it follows the law. This freedom helps different religious communities live together peacefully.

Images for kids

• 

  The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia is among the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world and the cathedral church of the Patriarch of Bulgaria.

• 

  The Church of Saint George in Sofia is the oldest church in Bulgaria.

• 

  Members of the Universal White Brotherhood, a Hermetic/Theosophical religious organisation founded in Bulgaria itself, practising paneurhythmy at the Seven Rila Lakes.

• 

  Geographic distribution of religions in Bulgaria, 2011 census.

• 

  Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Varna.

• 

  Catholic Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Sofia.

• 

  Evangelical Methodist church in Varna.

• 

  Ahmet Bey Mosque in Razgrad.

• 

  Ashkenazi synagogue in Varna.