The Bulgarian Patriarchate is the central governing body of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, which is one of the oldest Christian institutions in Bulgaria. Established in the 9th century, it played a significant role in the spread of Christianity and the development of the Bulgarian language and culture. The Patriarchate is based in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. The Patriarchate was officially recognized as an autocephalous (independent) church in 927 AD. It has faced various challenges throughout history, including periods of foreign domination and political changes. Today, the Bulgarian Patriarchate continues to be an important religious authority, overseeing the spiritual life of Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria and abroad.