The Organic Statute
According to the Organic Statute, the general administration of the Bulgarian Exarchate is managed by the Holy Synod, while the dioceses are governed by their respective bishops. The Holy Synod is the highest authority in the Church.
The Exarch serves as the president of the Holy Synod. All metropolitan bishops of the Bulgarian Church are members, but only four of them, chosen by the General Assembly, form the permanent Holy Synod. This body exercises synodal authority on a continuous basis.
Diocesan Administration
Each diocese is managed by a Council, which includes:
The metropolitan bishop as president
Four parish priests, elected by their peers for four years
The bishop is responsible for the diocese’s ecclesiastical authority and works together with the Council. Decisions made by the diocesan Council can be appealed to the Holy Synod.
Both the Exarch and the metropolitan bishops are elected for life by secret ballot. Laymen participate in these elections on the same basis as clergy members Balkan Tours.
Vicarages and Parishes
In the Bulgarian Principality, there are 42 vicarages, each led by a vicar appointed by the government on the recommendation of the respective bishop.
The vicar supervises all town and village parishes within the vicarage.
Town parishes typically include 200 to 300 houses.
Village parishes usually include 150 to 200 houses.
Parish priests are freely chosen by the members of their parish, provided they meet certain requirements. They receive their ordination according to canon law.
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church is carefully organized and hierarchical. The Holy Synod oversees the Church nationally, while bishops, councils, and vicars manage dioceses, vicarages, and parishes. This system ensures order, accountability, and participation of both clergy and laity in church administration.