Bulgaria in Biblical Context (Thrace)

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1. Introduction

Though Bulgaria is not directly named in the biblical text, its territory was part of the Roman province of Thrace and later Moesia, both of which feature prominently in the expansion of early Christianity. As part of the Greco-Roman world during the apostolic age, Bulgaria occupies an important geographical, ecclesiastical, and theological role in biblical geography and early Christian history. This article examines Bulgaria’s ancient identity, apostolic relevance, archaeological evidence, and Christian heritage, particularly in connection with the Pauline mission, church history, and the Slavic Christian tradition.

2. Geopolitical and Biblical Context

2.1 Ancient Thrace and Moesia

  • In the 1st century CE, the area of modern-day Bulgaria was divided into:
    • Thrace (south of the Balkan Mountains, including parts of northern Greece and western Turkey)
    • Moesia (north of the Balkans, between the Danube and the Balkan range)
  • These were Roman provinces by the time of the New Testament, strategically positioned between Asia Minor, Greece, and the Danube frontier.

2.2 Relevance to Paul’s Missionary Journeys

  • While Paul’s direct travels in Bulgaria are not recorded, he journeyed extensively in neighbouring regions—Macedonia, Illyricum, and Asia Minor—and likely passed near or influenced the Thracian-Moesian areas.
  • Romans 15:19 states: “From Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.”
  • This indicates Paul reached the northern Balkans, and may have influenced Thracian converts who travelled back through Bulgaria’s Roman roads.

3. Roman Infrastructure and Christian Transmission

3.1 Major Roman Roads

  • The Via Egnatia, stretching from Dyrrachium to Byzantium, ran near southern Bulgaria and connected with routes leading into Philippi and Thessalonica.
  • The Via Diagonalis (Via Militaris) passed directly through Bulgaria, linking Singidunum (Belgrade) to Constantinople, with key stops at:
    • Serdica (modern Sofia)
    • Philippopolis (modern Plovdiv)
    • Naissus (modern Niš, Serbia)

These roads facilitated not only military and commercial traffic, but also the spread of Christianity.

3.2 Thracian and Moesian Converts

  • By the late 1st and early 2nd centuries, Christian communities were present in Roman Thrace and Moesia.
  • Epistles such as Philippians and 1 Thessalonians, though addressed to cities in Macedonia, would have circulated through these adjacent regions.

4. Archaeological Evidence of Early Christianity

4.1 Serdica (Sofia)

  • A major Roman and early Christian city:
    • Early Christian basilicas have been excavated in central Sofia, including under the Church of Saint George (4th century).
    • Christian tombs and inscriptions date from the 3rd century.
    • The city hosted the Council of Serdica (343 CE), attended by Western and Eastern bishops, and dealt with Arian controversy.

4.2 Philippopolis (Plovdiv)

  • An ancient Thracian city transformed under Roman rule:
    • Remains of a 4th-century Christian complex with a large basilica and mosaic floors have been uncovered.
    • Inscriptions and artefacts point to a growing Christian community by the early Byzantine period.

4.3 Nicopolis ad Istrum and Durostorum

  • Both Roman cities in northern Bulgaria show signs of Christian presence by the 3rd century, including:
    • Bishoprics
    • Church ruins
    • Martyrologies

5. Early Theological and Ecclesiastical Significance

5.1 Council of Serdica (343 CE)

  • A major early church council intended to heal East-West divisions:
    • Hosted by Emperor Constans and aligned with Nicene orthodoxy.
    • Though its canons were not universally accepted, it marks Serdica as a key centre of early Christian debate.

5.2 Martyrs of Bulgaria

  • Under Diocletian’s persecution (c. 303 CE), several Christians were martyred in Thrace and Moesia.
    • Notable is St. Dasius of Durostorum, a Roman soldier who refused to participate in pagan festivals and was executed for his faith.

6. Bulgaria’s Role in Slavic Christianisation

6.1 9th Century Christianisation

  • In 864 CE, under Tsar Boris I, Bulgaria formally accepted Christianity under the Byzantine rite.
    • This marked the first Slavic nation to officially adopt the faith.
    • The Cyrillic script—devised by Saints Cyril and Methodius and developed by their disciples in Bulgaria—was instrumental in Bible translation and Slavic Christian identity.

6.2 The Bulgarian Orthodox Church

  • Recognised as autocephalous in the 10th century, the Bulgarian Patriarchate became one of the oldest national churches.
  • Bulgaria became a missionary hub for Slavic lands, influencing Christianity in Serbia, Russia, and Ukraine.

7. Theological Reflection and Missiological Impact

7.1 Peripheral Yet Vital

  • Bulgaria’s territory, though on the biblical world’s periphery, became a gateway for Christianity’s movement into Eastern Europe.
  • The Roman military infrastructure laid the groundwork for the apostolic commission to the nations (Acts 1:8).

7.2 Language, Liturgy, and Literacy

  • Bulgaria’s embrace of Christian scripture in the Slavic tongue fulfilled the theological vision of a gospel accessible to all nations.
  • The Old Church Slavonic Bible, developed in part on Bulgarian soil, stands as a landmark in biblical mission history.

8. Conclusion

Though Bulgaria is not explicitly referenced in the biblical text, its location within Roman Thrace and Moesia, its proximity to Pauline missions, and its early embrace of Christianity position it as a critical conduit in the spread of biblical faith. From the Council of Serdica to the Christianisation of the Slavs, Bulgaria has played a theologically rich and historically strategic role in the unfolding of Christianity beyond the biblical world. Its archaeological remains, martyrological tradition, and ecclesiastical legacy reflect the enduring impact of the gospel on the region.

Key Takeaways

  • Bulgaria = ancient Thrace and Moesia, adjacent to biblical Macedonia and Illyricum.
  • Roman roads like the Via Diagonalis passed through major Bulgarian cities.
  • Christian communities were present by the 3rd century, with Serdica and Philippopolis as key centres.
  • The Council of Serdica (343 CE) marks Bulgaria’s early theological influence.
  • Bulgaria led the Christianisation of the Slavs and was instrumental in biblical translation and missionary expansion.

References

  • Romans 15:19; Acts 1:8
  • Fine, J. V. A. (1983). The Early Medieval Balkans. University of Michigan Press.
  • Wilken, R. (2003). The Spirit of Early Christian Thought. Yale University Press.
  • Petrova, S. (2000). Christian Archaeology in Bulgaria. Sofia University Press.
  • Dvornik, F. (1956). Byzantine Missions Among the Slavs. Rutgers University Press.
  • Chadwick, H. (1993). The Early Church. Penguin Books.
  • Dimitrov, I. (2010). The Bulgarian Orthodox Church: History and Theology. Holy Synod of Bulgaria.

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