After joining the EU’s single currency at the New Year, Bulgaria has become the first country to include Christian saints on its Euro coins.
The replacement of the Lev, used since 1880, by the euro was approved by the European Parliament in line with EU convergence last July.
This change will now open up the space for Bulgarians to use the same currency across 21 different European countries with a combined population of 350 million people.
As approved by the National bank last year, the new Bulgarian €1 coin will depict the country’s hermit-patron, St Ivan the Wonderworker, who founded landmark Rila Monastery.
The €2 coin is inscribed with “God protect Bulgaria” and shows Bulgaria St Paisius of Hilender, who was a 18th century Orthodox priest and historian who was part of the national revival under the Ottoman rule.
Following in the footsteps of Cyprus and Greece, it makes Bulgaria the EU’s third predominantly Orthodox country, with it being the first to display saints on their EU currency.
With their aim to merge both Christian Cultural emblems with European integration, Bulgaria are set to be a leading nation for change.
Most euro notes and coins are displayed with national landmarks rather than religious images under European Central Bank guidance.
Other places like the Vatican have coins carrying portraits of recent popes under a monetary agreement with the EU and Italy whilst Slovakia carry a national symbol of the cross following joining the eurozone in 2009.
In a New Year’s message, Bulgaria’s Patriarch Daniil described the country’s St Ivan the Wonderworker as their “heavenly patron and protector”.
He also added that he is, “an unfading example of non-acquisitiveness, repentance, tireless struggle with sinful passions, fasting, prayerful absorption, and indomitability to the temptations of this world”.
Dr Ursula von der Leyen, the EU Commission’s president, believes the adoption of the euro came after “years of hard work and commitment in overcoming challenges”, and would “further strengthen Bulgaria’s voice in Europe”
Leyen also added that it would enable Bulgarian businesses “to seize better advantages from the common single market”.
