Една строго специфична протестантска общност в България – тинчевистите
The Tinchevists - a rigorously specific protestant communion in Bulgaria

Summary/Abstract: At the end of 19th and beginning of 20th century Bulgarian Protestants experience a religious revival. During 1920s Russians by birth, who were missioners from USA, brought here the ideas of Pentecostalism. This research makes observations on one of the two Pentecostal branches today, appearing as a result of their activity. The religious community has been called by the secret services of the country "Tinchevists", based on the name of their strong charismatical leader Stojan Tinchev. Till 1990 they have lead underground life like hermetically independent communions. This self isolation has formed their very interesting and specifically from ethnological and culthurological point of view image of the only religious subculture in Bulgaria. At the 80s and 90s years of 20th century they have undergone a period of religious Renaissance, no matter of persecution and pressure of totalitarian regime. Their strong faith, puritan and ascetical practices and underground life have become the reason for many people to become their members - labors, students, intellectuals. That is why Tinchevism similar to the Medieval Bogomilian movement during the 9th-12th centuries has seriously shaken Modern Bulgarian society in the area of religion, faith and ideas. After 1989 Tinchevists have transformed themselves in several different official denominations. Today all Penticostals in the country are round about 80% of all Evangelicals.

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