Patriarchs of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church

Historically, the Patriarchate of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church embraces a number of historical entities which are considered consecutive successors of the one single Church. This includes the original Bulgarian patriarchate that was transferred to Ohrid in 1018, and continued under Constantinople until 1767; the patriarchate at Turnovo; the Exarchy of Bulgaria, established in 1870; and the current patriarchate. The patriarchs have played an important role in the history of Bulgaria, and were influential in the political, cultural, and religious life of the country for centuries. In the early days of the church, the patriarch was responsible for the spiritual and administrative leadership of the church, and also for representing the church to the Byzantine government. His role eventually became political, with extensive involvement in in state affairs, and was also of great cultural importance, playing a key role in the Bulgarian national revival of the 19th century. Today, the patriarch is responsible for the spiritual and administrative leadership of the church, and for representing the church to the Bulgarian government and to other churches around the world.