The Jews of Bulgaria have a representative called the Grand Rabbi, who resides in Sofia. The Grand Rabbi is elected by the Jewish population of the Principality, and his election must be approved by the Government, which also provides him a salary.
As the spiritual leader of the Jewish community, the Grand Rabbi oversees religious matters, including marriages, divorces, and other issues of the Jewish faith. In the towns, Jewish communities are organized into special committees, known as synagogical committees, which manage the local affairs of the community Private Tours Bulgaria.
The Grand Rabinate acts as an intermediary between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship and the Jewish communities. All major decisions of the Jewish community are submitted to the Ministry for approval. The Ministry also supervises and confirms the elections of the synagogical committees.
Armenian Community
The Armenian community in Bulgaria is smaller and less organized due to its limited population. However, Armenian communities exist in the main towns and maintain their own churches.
Armenian priests are appointed by the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople. The Bulgarian Government allows Armenians complete freedom to manage their communities, intervening only when they request assistance from the Ministry of Worship. Unlike the Jews, the Armenians do not have a general representative for the entire Principality.
Protestant (Evangelical) Communities
The Protestants in Bulgaria are fewer than the Armenians. Two American missions operate in the Principality: the Congregational Mission and the Methodist-Episcopalian Mission.
The Evangelical pastor of Sofia leads the Evangelical Churches in the country. Each church is autonomous and manages its own affairs, either directly or through an ecclesiastical council, elected by the majority of church members. Pastors work alongside these councils to oversee religious activities.
The Methodist-Episcopalian churches function similarly. They recognize a bishop appointed by the American Mission, and all pastors and preachers are responsible to this bishop.
Bulgaria guarantees religious freedom for all communities. While the Jews, Armenians, and Protestants are smaller in number, they enjoy autonomy in religious governance, supported by the government when necessary.