Pray for Bulgaria

Sandy beaches along the Black Sea, fertile farmland along the Danube River, and dense forests form the nation of Bulgaria, one of Europe’s oldest countries. Bulgaria is one of the few European countries that has kept the same name since its founding. Formed in the 7th century AD, Bulgaria has endured long periods of foreign rule, including nearly five centuries under the Ottoman Empire and four decades of Communist rule, before establishing a parliamentary democracy in 1990. The name “Bulgaria” likely originates from the Turkic verb bulgar, meaning “to mix,” referencing the historic integration of Bulgar and Slavic tribes. Macedonians, Turks, and Roma make up significant portions of the country’s population today.

Despite rapid industrialization under communist rule, Bulgaria saw factory closures, high inflation, and widespread job losses after the socialist government fell. Reforms in 1997 stopped hyperinflation and stabilized the banking system, but low pay and slow job creation still drove millions of citizens to seek work in other countries. Bribery in the government and organized crime still block real economic growth. Low wages and unequal job distribution put large numbers of people at risk of poverty, and the Roma community is especially vulnerable due to discrimination and barriers to education and jobs. Bulgaria also has one of the lowest average life expectancies in the European Union because of high rates of heart disease and substance abuse.

After the fall of the socialist government, the Christian population grew, and today the vast majority of Bulgarians belong to the Orthodox Church. Yet most who identify as Christian do not practice. Pagan practices and traditions are woven into Christian beliefs, including masked dances, which are believed to drive away evil spirits and encourage fertility. There is also a minority Muslim population. Bulgaria’s many ethnic minorities are in need of Christian ministry and discipleship, and less than two percent of the nation is evangelical. But the evangelical Church is slowly growing, and cross-cultural missions are increasing, with Bulgarians taking the Gospel throughout Europe and Asia.