Sofia, April 8, 2021
The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has composed and issued its own textbook on Orthodox Christianity for 6th-7th graders. On Monday, the volume was accepted for evaluation by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science, reports the press service of the Bulgarian Church.
The Ministry evaluates textbooks on both content and graphic design and printing.
His Eminence Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech expressed satisfaction that the Synod is successfully continuing its work. A textbook for 1st-5th graders has already been issued and is used in schools throughout Bulgaria and abroad. Work is underway on a textbook for 8th-12th graders, which the Synod hopes to issue next year, thus providing high-quality aids to all students studying Orthodoxy.
“The creation of meaningful and beautiful textbooks by our Holy Church will make this subject even more attractive for students, and the teaching of religion will become even more useful and successful,” reads the Church’s report. The new textbook contains extremely in-depth lessons, filled with many illustrations, study maps, tables, applications, tasks, and ready-made tests.
The Bulgarian Church provides its textbooks free of charge for teachers and students. They are also used in Church schools.
“The younger generations have an undeniable need for constructive direction and lasting meaning in their lives, for a sound spiritual and moral foundation on which to build themselves and the future of our country… Well educated and spiritually literate, Bulgarian students will be able to grow in joy and peace, in generosity and mutual assistance,” writes the Church’s press service.
In February 2019, the Bulgarian Holy Synod called for an overhaul of the government’s National Strategy for the Child 2019-2030, to include, among others, compulsory religious education.
The nation’s first Orthodox elementary school opened in September 2019.
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