The Biala Slatina church was built about 120 years ago. In America, that's old, but here, where many people are proud of Bulgaria's nearly 3000 year history, it's relatively new.
It was constructed around 1890. According to the current priest, it was raised with funding and labor from the people of the community. Before this church, townspeople worshiped at a small chapel. The records concerning this church were taken when Bulgaria became a Communist country, the current priest said.
The murals were renewed in 1937.
Churches are common in most towns in Bulgaria despite the long period of Communism. During pre-service training, we learned that the government organized a program of chasing people away from churches when they tried to attend services. Across the country, citizens were encouraged not to go to church or other houses of worship. Many observed religious holidays and events in private. During a Sunday service in Biala Slatina, people come and usually stand between the two columns on either side of the door. They may listen to a service or just light candles for friends and family members.
The Eastern Orthodox Church, also called the Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Catholic Church, traces its origins back to St. Paul and the beginning of Christianity. It is made of several self-governing bodies that are nationally and geographically different. These bodies are led by synods of bishops. Services in Eastern Orthodox Churches differ slightly from region to region and country to country as a result of local customs.
