Bulgaria’s PM Vows State Help for Orthodox Church

2/5/2010

Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, says the cabinet will continue to help the country’s churches and monasteries because thanks to them there isn’t a spiritual crisis in Bulgaria.

Borisov spoke Sunday before a crowd of people, which gathered at the “St.St. Kozma and Damyan” Monastery in the village of Gigintsi where a traditional fair is held annually on the day the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates Tsar Boris I The Baptist.

The PM visited the monastery to oversee the progress of the renovation works in the company of the Minister for Bulgarians Abroad, Bozhidar Dimitrov.

The renovation of the monastery began 3 years ago with funds from the State and private donors. The State help so far amounts to BGN 450 000 of which BGN 60 000 have been given in 2010.

Borisov vowed Sunday to secure additional financing so that the monastery is finished by November.

The abbot of the monastery gave the PM an icon for good health and success.

While at the religious fair, Borisov reiterated before the media that the anticipated decision about increasing the Value Added Tax (VAT) or keeping it at the current 20% will be announced Wednesday.

Source: