Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria Defends Religious Education in Schools

UOJ Bulgaria recently released a study by an organization called Trend Reserarch Center showing that 57% of the Bulgarian population support basic religious instruction in Public Schools. 

But as always seems to be the case when Orthodox countries try to reaffirm their dedication to the faith of their fathers, a small faction has been rather outspoken in their opposition.

Patriarch Daniel addressed the issue during his homily on the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross:

The goal is not to educate the students, but to instruct them, to give them information about how the Church thinks and... to teach them the things inherent to life, in the way of life of our ancestors and of many in our modern society. Because today children often learn all this in a distorted, caricatured and inappropriate way.

How they perceive, how they respond to what they learn - whether they take it to heart or remain indifferent - is a matter of personal choice. Faith is a personal thing. Our relationship with God is intimate, and no one can by coercion or force make a person a believer. Even in church circles opposing opinions and objections come up. Let us not give into such dissent on this matter. On the contrary, let us pray that Orthodox education may finally be given its proper place in schools. The school has its origin in the Church.

In his speech, His Holiness drew attention to some of the trials currently afflicting the Bulgarian Church and nation, offering a prayer for the healing of divisions and wise governance.

Now Bulgaria is also going through many difficulties. But when we perceive these hardships through the example of Christ, with prayer and patience, then God will work His justice. The trials we have with the Supreme Court (Ed. - Court of Cassation) decision to incorporate another official church, which gives rise to a new schism, do not seem to be ceasing. The whole Church has suffered, and will suffer, hardship from such decisions. But we must first look at our own sins and offer repentance for them, then we will have the favor and confidence in God that He is with us and cooperating with our prayer: "O Lord, help us and deliver us from schism, give sound judgment to those who govern, to the judges, to the politicians, and also to those who have separated themselves from the Body of the Church - to be converted and return to Her bosom; help our children to have the possibility of accessing education in the truths of the faith, in the Gospel story, in our schools."

Pat. Daniel encouraged all to remember the Cross of our Lord and especially those suffering for it in our day.

When we carry our cross as Christians and remember those who at this moment, through no fault of their own, endure terrible suffering, the destruction of wars, the wounds of bombing, the loss of loved ones, the destruction of homes, and do not grieve, but bear their sorrows with serenity, then this, together with our prayer for these suffering men, fills the lack of sorrows in the Body of Christ (Col. 1:24), that God may grant His mercy and pave the way for the resolution of these terrible conflicts, irreconcilability, especially in Syria.

Bearing the difficulties and adversities of our lives with serenity, placing ourselves in God's hands and offering prayers for those who suffer, is an expression of being part of the living Body of Christ.

Originally reported by UOJ Bulgaria

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