Palityan, Bogomil in Bulgaria

Introduction / History

In the 1100s, a sect arose in rural Bulgaria known as the Bogomil. It caught on with rural priests and farmers and spread to Serbia, France and Italy. It was known as heresy and squashed by both Roman Catholic and Orthodox clergymen in the late 1500s.

Ironically, since it s a Bulgarian sect, Bogomil is associated with Bulgarian intellectual movements and nationalism. Some of these ideals were expressed in Bulgarian folk music. During the communist era, Bulgarian communists latched onto Bogomil teachings about equality and called them early communists.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Bogomil adherents live like anyone else in Bulgaria. They are a religious minority.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They believed that God had two sons, Jesus and Satan. Heaven belonged to God and earth is the realm of Satan. Therefore, earthly powers were evil, and that can be applied to government and religious powers. They are vegetarians, refraining from eating animal products.

What Are Their Needs?

Bogomil adherents need to understand and embrace Jesus Christ as he s portrayed in the Bible. Their doctrines keep them from having a proper relationship with the one who is the way, the truth and the life.

Prayer Points

Pray for Bogomil adherents to seek and find the real Jesus.
Pray that their doctrines will challenge others to read the Bible and find out the truth.
Pray that soon Bogomil background Christian believers will embrace Christ and teach others to do the same.

Text Source:   Joshua Project