Looking at the future

The small Catholic community in Bulgaria extends a courageous glance to the future, counting on the work with the families and the youths, challenged by dark clouds hovering from the Western world, while increasing poverty is ever more engrained in the social fabric. It’s the snapshot of the Country in the words of the president of Bulgarian bishops, apostolic exarch for Catholics of Eastern rite, Monsignor Hristo Proykov, interviewed by Iva Mihailova. What is the situation of the Catholic Church in Bulgaria 23 years after the democratic changes in the Country? "Catholics in Bulgaria represent a small community with a great amount of work ahead. We slowly rebuilt the normal activity of the Church with the involvement of families and the youth, as well as Catechism and social work, that were previously forbidden. We are witnessing the rebirth of religious orders that were active in Bulgaria before Communist rule. Their contribution was important, given the few numbers of Bulgarian priests still living. Little by little vocations in Bulgaria started to grow, and have now reached consistent numbers. Over ten new churches and monasteries have been built and other churches were renewed. Now o we have to focus on pastoral activity, on Catechism for children and youths and on the work with the families, the Church’s future". What are the main problems and the challenges that lie ahead? "The main challenge in Bulgaria is the absence of religious learning in schools, a consequence of many years of atheism. If the youths are to grow up in virtue, it is necessary that they receive a religious education. It is equally necessary to complete the restitution of our property. Seminaries, schools and hospitals used to belong to the Church but under the totalitarian regimes they were confiscated and were only partially returned. We are worried about authorities’ claims to end the restitution of religious communities’ property. We consider it an open issue". How are the relations with the other religious confessions: Orthodox (84% of Bulgarians), Muslims (12%) and Protestants (1%)? "We confide that with the appointment of the new Patriarch, dialogue, tolerance and good relations will continue. But it’s hard to speak of authentic ecumenism, the time is not ripe for this. For the most part, as relates to ethical and moral issues, as in the case of de facto couples, our positions coincide with those expressed by national authorities. Relations with Protestants are marked by significant cooperation in charity works. Also the relations with the Muslim community are good. In Bulgaria the Muslim community has promoted the creation of an interreligious council that we take part in".The income of 23% of Bulgarian families, 1.5 million people, is below 107 euro. How does this impact people’s life? How does the Catholic Church help those in need? "Bulgaria is experiencing a worrying degree of poverty. People are in dire straits, and increasing numbers seek the help of the Church, even middle class population. With our limited means we try to provide relief, with the help of benefactors. An example is the Embassy of the Order of Malta in Sofia and the Comunitas foundation that distributes warm meals in three soup kitchens in Sofia. We also have a medical centre that provides healthcare for the needy".Economic difficulties are affecting the Catholic Church, subjected also to tax pressure. A month ago Muslims leaders presented a proposal to the parliament calling for the exemption of waste taxes for places of worship. "The Catholic Church in Bulgaria is self-financed. We receive a very small financial support from the State, amounting to some 200 euro a year, while taxes are the same for all. That’s why we try to pay everything but it weighs heavily on us. We thus support the proposal presented by the Muslim community to least cut the waste-tax for places of worship. It would be a great relief for us". De facto couples in Bulgaria are increasing. Are you worried about the fact that Western phenomena, such as the tendency to legalize de facto couples and gay marriages may extend to Bulgaria? "For Bulgaria being an EU member country has always been a dream, but now that we are a member country we are facing problems arriving from Western Europe which previously weren’t part of the Bulgarian agenda. What is happening in many countries which light-heartedly accept de facto couples and gay marriage is reason for concern. In Bulgaria a proposal was made to introduce de facto couples within the family code while in a dedicated meeting between the Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church and 22 religious confessions, we jointly expressed our opposition. I fear that sooner or later these phenomena will reach Bulgaria and will be accepted easily. Fortunately there still are principles that are defended, such as euthanasia, which continues being illegal".