According to a Gallup International Balkans survey cited by the Bulgarian News Agency, the Church is one of the most trusted institutions in Bulgaria.
The survey, conducted between August 1 and 9 on a sample of 802 people representing the population aged 18 and older, shows that respondents were divided as follows: 75.3% Orthodox Christians, 9.9% Muslims, and 11% non-religious, with the remainder belonging to smaller religious groups.
Both the Church and Patriarch Daniil enjoy a high level of trust from the Bulgarian people. According to the survey, 43.1% of respondents expressed trust in the Church, while 35.8% indicated distrust.
His Beatitude Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria, who was recently elected, has a trust rating of 30.6%, nearly four percentage points higher than his distrust rating.
Gallup International Balkans noted that a public figure with a clear trust rating is rare in Bulgaria, but this is expected for a religious leader. However, 22.6% of respondents were hesitant, and 19.8% were unfamiliar with or unaware of the Patriarch.
Three out of four Bulgarians identified as Orthodox Christians, but fewer than two out of three believe in God. According to the survey, Bulgaria’s percentage of self-declared believers has not changed significantly in recent years.
Of those surveyed, 59.5% believe in God, while 27.5% do not. The rest were unsure. One in five respondents (19.7%) said they regularly attend religious services.
In a related survey conducted by INSCOP in 2023, the Army and the Church were the most trusted institutions among Romanians.
PhotoȘ Basilica.ro / Raluca-Emanuela Ene
