Η Αρχιεπισκοπή της Αχρίδας ως ιδεολογικό υπόβαθρο της εκκλησιαστικής ανεξαρτησίας των Βουλγάρων (1850-1870)

Abstract

In this paper we present the Bulgarian point of view related to the reestablishment
of the Archbishopric of Ohrid. The Bulgarian aim to acquire
ecclesiastical independence in the middle of the 19th century was based on the
historical tradition of their ancient churches, that is of the Patriarchate of
Tamovo and of the Archbishopric of Ohrid. All Bulgarian texts of this period
do not fail to mention that the Archbishopric of Ohrid was a Bulgarian church
illegally abolished in 1767 by the Patriarchate of Constantinople. In spite of
this attitude, the Bulgarians never really fought for the re-establishment of
this old church. What they really wanted was an independent church on
national basis. They only raised this demand in 1867 for tactical reasons. On
the contrary the inhabitants of Ohrid showed more enthusiasm to the realization
of such a plan. Their zeal brought them to disagreement with the
leaders of the Bulgarian national movement. Examining this specific parameter
of the Bulgarian issue we are in front of a typical example of the ideological
function of history.