As Bulgaria adopts the euro, at the beginning of 2026, it becomes the first European Union member state to include Christian saints on its euro coins.
The new Bulgarian €1 coin, approved last year by the National Bank, depicts the country’s hermit-patron, St Ivan the Wonderworker (876-946), who founded its landmark Rila Monastery. Also known as Saint John of Rila (Sv. Ivan Rilski), he is regarded as protector of Bulgaria and featured on the old Bulgarian 1 lev coin (see the picture above). He is depicted holding a cross and a small scroll, representing his role as a spiritual leader and founder.
The €2 coin, inscribed “God protect Bulgaria”, shows St Paisius of Hilendar (1722-73), an Orthodox priest and historian who co-led a national revival under Ottoman rule. Lower value coins, show the Madara Rider, an eighth-century national relief of a knight triumphing over a lion, which is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage symbol.
Is it good to have Christian symbols on coinage? In many ways Yes. But it could also be seen as promoting one religion over another, which is why the European Central Bank prefers landmarks and architectural styles representing European secular unity to religious symbols. But the religious history of Bulgaria and its surrounding region is different from that here in Western Europe, and these symbols have assumed national importance as part of Bulgaria’s cultural identity.
Look out for the saint embossed euro coins as they will inevitably find their way to Spain very soon!
Read the full story in the Church Times here.