Tag: The Impact of the Communist Constitution on Religion and Education

Separation of Church and State

Article 78 of the Communist Constitution proclaimed a separation of church and state in Bulgaria. To someone unfamiliar with the historical context of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, this might appear to be a progressive development. The church played a crucial role in preserving national unity and culture during the 500 years of Turkish rule, and had never sought to dominate the state. However, under the Communist regime, this separation has effectively inverted the relationship, with the state imposing undue control over the church.

All church lands and revenues were nationalized, stripping the church of its economic foundation. Although Article 78 claims that “citizens are guaranteed freedom of conscience and religion,” the reality is starkly different. Religious worshippers face persecution, while atheism is actively promoted by the government. Any deviation from Marxist-Leninist ideology by the clergy is deemed a violation of th