17.10.2017
The government will continue to support the activities of the Bulgarian Orthodox Community in Istanbul. This assurance was given by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov at a meeting with a Bulgarian church delegation, led by the President of the Management Board of the Foundation of the Bulgarian Orthodox Churches in Istanbul Vasil Liaise.
The members of the Board informed Prime Minister Borissov about their actions for the renovation of the Bulgarian Church “St. Stefan”. The unique Iron Church is thoroughly renovated with funds from the Istanbul Municipality and the Municipality of Fatih, as well as from the Bulgarian state. The Prime Minister committed to providing additional funds for the interior refurbishment of the church.
Boyko Borissov was invited to the celebratory opening and sanctification of the renovated Church “St. Stefan” on January 7, 2018.
Since 1992 the Bulgarian government yearly earmarks funds through the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in support of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church Community in Istanbul. Since 2009 the funds amount to 50 000 euro per year. In addition to those funds, for the last five years Directorate “Religious denominations” at the Council of Ministers has supported the renovation and maintenance of historical and church monuments managed by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church Community – Istanbul with 190 000 euro.
