Bulgarian Orthodox Church Doubles Candle Prices

The Bulgarian Holy Synod has decided to double the price of candles sold at Orthodox churches across the country, citing financial reasons, local media reported on Sunday.

A kilogramme of church candles will cost BGN 80 as of 15 December, a two-fold increase compared to the current price of BGN 40. The decision of the governing body of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, which comes less than two weeks before Christmas, will apply to candles made from beeswax as well as paraffin, bTV said.

The Holy Synod said last year that candle prices would rise as a result of introduction of new production techniques.

bTV quoted a Bulgarian Orthodox church official as saying that candle prices in Bulgaria haven’t been increased since the 1980s.

The sales of candles form a major portion of the revenues used by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church to maintain the places of worship and cover current expenses.

“The prices of candles have remained unchanged for many years while the prices of electricity, heating and water have all increased,” Darik Radio quoted a spokesperson for the Holy Synod as saying.

No official announcement was available on the Holy Synod’s website as of Sunday evening.

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