The first national educational conference focusing on Adventist education in Bulgaria was held on September 6, 2025 in Sofia. The event brought together teachers, educational specialists, parents and lay-people for whom Christian education is both a mission and personal responsibility. The atmosphere was saturated with inspiration, sharing and hope for the future.
The main guest speaker was Pastor Marius Munteanu, Director of the Education Department of the Inter-European Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In his moving speech, he presented the historical path of secular and biblical education, emphasizing the crucial role of Christian education in building the minds and hearts of the next generations: “Depending on how well we educate our future generations, the image of reality will be changed or not. We are decisive factors in shaping of both the minds and souls of our children.”
In the afternoon, participants had the opportunity to ask Pastor Munteanu questions and exchange ideas during a special interactive session. The program also included a presentation of existing educational projects in the country – “Five Stones” and “Five Pebbles” in Plovdiv, as well as the “Colorful Hope” project in Sofia.
Darina Petkova, Head of the Education Department for Bulgaria, emphasized: “Our motto is: Adventist education is the place where knowledge and faith meet.”
And according to Boni Dimova, board member and co-organizer, this conference is “a good start and a step towards expanding the educational field.”
A particularly strong emphasis was placed on the vision for the future. Elder Milen Georgiev, President of Bulgarian Union of Seventh-day Adventist Church, shared: “Our priority is to establish a school with Adventist values, which will be not only for our children, but also a missionary tool for reaching those who are appreciating the importance of quality Christian education.”
The personal testimonies of the participants left a deep impression. Teachers like Ivaylo shared their feeling about the profession as “the highest calling.” Teodora Ivanova from the Five Stones Project stated: “I will take with me pleasant emotions because I see an awakening in the minds and hearts of people.”
The first national educational conference is a “small step” towards a big goal – the establishment of the first of its kind Adventist school in Bulgaria. But, as one participant emphasized: “The messages are to be bolder, we are to dream of a broad education in which Christ is a natural presence and everything is for His glory.”
