The Holy Synod has declared itself against Sofia Pride 2026.
The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church said it does not support Sofia Pride 2026 and disagrees with the messages promoted by the event. At the same time, the Church stressed that it rejects no one and continues to pray for every person.
The Orthodox Church professes that human beings were created by God as male and female and that the family, founded on the blessed union of marriage between a man and a woman, is the natural and God-given environment for life, love, childbirth, and the upbringing of children. The Holy Synod reiterates that the Church opposes ideas and views that it considers incompatible with Christian moral teaching and expresses concern over attempts to present such views and behavioral models as an equivalent alternative to what it regards as God's established order for human life.
The Synod states that it is particularly concerned when such messages are directed toward children and young people who are still forming their value systems and personal identities. According to the bishops, young people should be encouraged to embrace responsibility, respect for human dignity, and adherence to Christian virtues.
Our duty is to help them build a strong value system based on truth, responsibility, and respect for human dignity. Therefore, we call on parents to be vigilant regarding the spiritual and moral development of their children and to raise them with respect for Christian virtues and family values, the statement says.
Despite its critical position on the event, the Holy Synod emphasizes that the Church rejects no one and continues to pray for every individual.
With pastoral love, we address both the organizers and participants of this event, as well as all our fellow citizens, the Holy Synod states, while encouraging a way of life consistent with Christian values and Gospel teachings.