Bulgarian Clergy to Sign Labor Contracts

Currently, Bulgarian priests are hired with church employment contracts, which, however, are not labor contracts, or even civil ones. File photo

Bulgarian clergy will be working with labor contracts after their profession is included in the National Classification of Professions and Positions.

The Religions Directorate at the Bulgarian Council of Ministers is beginning priority work on the issue in order to eliminate the clergy's disadvantages in working without benefits and labor rights, the Directorate Head, Emil Velininov, says.

Currently, priests are hired with church employment contracts, which, however, are not labor contracts, or even civil ones.

The change stems from EU requirements.

The Holy Synod point out the EU directive does not take into account the specifics of the Orthodox Church.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!