The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Bulgaria is the first regular and authentic Grand Freemasonic entity in Bulgaria after the fall of communism in 1989. The GL AF&AM in Bulgaria started in 1992 under the name Grand Lodge of Bulgaria and in 1996 was renamed to GL AF&AM in Bulgaria in order to have the consecration ceremony in September 1997. The GL AF&AM in Bulgaria is the MOTHER of 3 new Grand Lodges in the jurisdiction of Bulgaria that appeared later in the years: 2004 – The United Grand Lodge of Bulgaria; 2010 – The Grand Lodge of Bulgaria; 2013 – The Grand Lodge of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Ritte of Bulgaria. 

Does the Grand Lodge of AF&A Masons in Bulgaria meet the standarts and criteria for receiving recognition?

1. It must have been lawfully established by a regular Grand Lodge or by three or more private lodges, each warranted by regular Grand Lodge.
Answer: The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Bulgaria is established on September 20, 1997 in Sofia, Bulgaria by the Grand Lodge AF&AM of Germany, with the support of the American-Canadian Grand Lodge of Germany and de jure by the United Grand Lodges of Germany.

2. It must be truly independent and self-governing, with undisputed authority over Craft -or basic- Freemasonry (ie. The symbolic degrees or Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason) within its jurisdiction, and not subject in any other way to or sharing power with any other body.
Answer: The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Bulgaria is a self-governing authority over the Craft and does not share power with any other body, thought it recognizes other Grand Lodges in the same jurisdiction.

3. Freemasons under its jurisdiction must be men, and it and its lodges must have no masonic contact with lodges which admit women to membership.
Answer: The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Bulgaria is a men-only organization and the GL has no contacts or relations with lodges which admit women to membership.

4. Freemasons under it jurisdiction must believe in a supreme being.
Answer: The Brethren members of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Bulgaria believe in a supreme being.

5. All Freemasons under its jurisdiction must take their obligations on or in full view of the Volume of the Sacred Law (ie. The Bible) or the book held sacred by the man concerned.
Answer: The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Bulgaria obliges its members to take their obligations on or in full view of the Volume of the Sacred Law.

6. The three great lights of Freemasonry (ie. The Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square and the Compasses) must be on display when the Grand Lodge or it subordinate lodges are open.
Answer: The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Bulgaria and all its subordinate lodges display on open lodges the three great lights of Freemansonry (The Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square and the Compasses).

7. The discussion of religion and politics within its lodge must be prohibited.
Answer: The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Bulgaria prohibits and the subordinate lodges also prohibit discussions of religion and politics.

8. It must adhere to the established principles and tenets (the “ancient landmarks”) and customs of the Craft, and insist on their being observed within its lodges.
Answer: The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Bulgaria obeys the principles and tenets (the “ancient landmarks”) and customs of the Craft, and insist on being observed within its lodges.