In the Bulgarian Principality, there are 1,627 churches and 379 chapels. In the Turkish Empire, there are 1,067 Bulgarian churches.
The clergy consists of 1,961 priests in Bulgaria and 1,174 priests in the dioceses under the Turkish Empire. These priests play a key role in spiritual guidance and in administering church law.
Marriage and Divorce
All marriages and divorces in Bulgaria are under the exclusive authority of the Church. The canon laws regulate the validity of marriages and the conditions for dissolution.
The legal age for marriage is 19 years for boys and 17 years for girls.
There are ten recognized reasons for dissolving a marriage.
Adultery alone does not automatically dissolve a marriage. The guilty party cannot marry the accomplice Balkan Tours.
In case of divorce, children are given to the innocent parent, except children under five years old, who remain with the mother.
Mutual consent of the couple is not a legal ground for divorce.
Any marriage that violates canon laws is considered null and void.
The Diocesan Council is the only body authorized to judge divorce cases. Its decisions are subject to the approval of the respective metropolitan bishop.
Foreign Religions in Bulgaria
The Bulgarian Constitution guarantees full religious freedom. Every person living in Bulgaria may follow their own religion without interference. Differences in faith cannot limit the rights of Bulgarian citizens.
Foreign religious communities are free to organize and practice their beliefs. This policy ensures that all citizens, regardless of faith, are protected under the law and can participate equally in social and public life.
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church is well organized, with clear rules for marriages, divorce, and clergy duties. At the same time, freedom of religion is respected, allowing foreign creeds to exist peacefully. This balance between church authority and constitutional freedom strengthens social harmony and legal order in Bulgaria.