Patriarch Maxim of Bulgaria

About

Leader of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church who led his country's Christian community from the communist era into democracy.

Before Fame

He grew up under the communist regime that banned or co-opted religious organizations.

Trivia

After the fall of the Soviet Union, he faced a revolt in his own church by those who thought he was a government figurehead.

Family Life

He was born in a mountain village in north-central Bulgaria.

Associated With

He hosted Pope John Paul II in 2002, re-establishing ties with the Catholic Church.