The Bulgarian in crisis: a Pagan, a Christian or an Atheist
The Bulgarian in crisis: a Pagan, a Christian or an Atheist

Summary/Abstract: Sociological investigations since 1989 have shown that religiosity among the Bulgarian Christians, measured by a definite religious identification, has generally increased. It was pointed out that 1992-1993 was the intermediary phase in the return of increased commitment to religion in the country after fourty-five years of militant atheism. When the barriers imposed by the totalitarian regime collapsed, there was even talk of “a religious boom”. That fact is very impressive, bearing in mind that Bulgaria has traditionally been characterised by a lower degree of commitment to religion in comparison with the countries of Central Europe and Russia. The diversity of religious acts and the influx of new religious formations in Bulgaria did not remain outside the field of vision of researchers. They marked its frameworks and paid attention to some of its forms. Voluntary daily church attendance was observed, which during holidays turns to real overcrowding; the greater choice of religious literature; the intensive building of new churches or restoration of old ones; the marking of each major undertaking by a consecration ceremony of pouring holy water; liturgies on ceremonious occasions and on official holidays; pilgrimages to holy sites and miracle-working icons, etc…

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