A Russian-affiliated religious media network is attempting to influence public debate in Bulgaria, particularly around the introduction of religion as a mandatory school subject, according to an investigation by Bulgarian National Television (BNT).
The network, operating under the name Union of Orthodox Journalists (UOJ), is linked to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which remains subordinate to the Moscow Patriarchate. The website has no listed address, no named editorial staff, and publishes anonymous content, but maintains an active presence on social media platforms and generates a large volume of original content in Bulgarian — suggesting significant financial backing.
BNT reports that the site is part of a broader Russian disinformation and propaganda effort and was launched in Bulgarian shortly after the death of Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte, who had publicly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Bulgarian-language content of the site focuses on controversial social topics such as mandatory religious education, same-sex marriage, gender ideology, and the promotion of “traditional values.” It also includes support for Russia’s stance in the Ukraine conflict and amplifies the position of the pro-Moscow Ukrainian Orthodox Church in its dispute with Ukraine’s independent Orthodox Church.
The site republishes Russian media articles and hosts interviews on its YouTube channel conducted by a teacher from the Sofia Theological Seminary. Despite calling for public donations in euros, no legal entity named Union of Orthodox Journalists is registered in Bulgaria’s commercial registry, raising questions about the destination of donor funds.
BNT found a company name — TOJ Ltd (Team of Orthodox Journalists) — listed in donation forms. TOJ Ltd was registered in Cyprus, an offshore jurisdiction, in 2024. It is the rebranded version of the UOJ, whose website is currently banned in Ukraine at the request of the country’s security services. TOJ and UOJ are used interchangeably on social media.
Analysts warn that such information campaigns represent a form of soft power projection and influence by Moscow, targeting public opinion and values in EU member states through religious and cultural channels.