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Bogomil: Bogomilism

Bogomil: Bogomilism

'''Bogomil''' designates a member of the Bogomil Church, a [[Christianity|Christian]] neo-Gnostic or [[Dualism|dualist]] [[sect]] teaching a doctrine called Bogomilism (Bulgarian and Macedonian: Богомилство, romanized: Bogomilstvo; Serbo-Croatian: Bogumilstvo / Богумилство); also anyone in general who follows the doctrine of Bogomilism, identified as Bogomils. The Bogomil sect was founded in the [[Bulgaria|First Bulgarian Empire]] by a priest named Bogomil during the reign of Tsar Peter I in the 10th century that flourished in the [[Balkans]] between the 10th and 15th centuries. Bogomilism most probably arose in what is today the region of [[Macedonia]] as a response to the social stratification that occurred with the introduction of [[feudalism]] and as a form of [[political]] movement and opposition to the Bulgarian state and the doctrines and authority of the [[orthodox]] [[catholic]] Christian church east and west as defined by the [[Ante-Nicene Fathers]] and the [[Ecumenical council|Seven Ecumenical Councils]].  

'''Bogomil''' designates a member of the Bogomil Church, a [[Christianity|Christian]] neo-Gnostic or [[Dualism|dualist]] [[sect]] teaching a doctrine called Bogomilism (Bulgarian and Macedonian: Богомилство, romanized: Bogomilstvo; Serbo-Croatian: Bogumilstvo / Богумилство); also anyone in general who follows the doctrine of Bogomilism, identified as Bogomils. The Bogomil sect was founded in the [[Bulgaria|First Bulgarian Empire]] by a priest named Bogomil during the reign of Tsar Peter I in the 10th century that flourished in the [[Balkans]] between the 10th and 15th centuries. Bogomilism most probably arose in what is today the region of [[Macedonia]] from a fusion of dualistic, neo-Manichaean doctrines imported especially from the Paulicians, a dualistic sect of Armenia and Asia Minor, and a local Slavonic movement aimed at reforming, in the name of an evangelical Christianity, the recently established Bulgarian Orthodox Church, as a response to the social stratification that occurred with the introduction of [[feudalism]] in Bulgaria toward the middle of the 10th century, and as a form of [[political]] movement and opposition to both the Bulgarian state and the doctrines and authority of the [[orthodox]] [[catholic]] Christian church east and west, as defined by the [[Ante-Nicene Fathers]] and the [[Ecumenical council|Seven Ecumenical Councils]].  

The origin of the Bogomils is not clear. Information about them comes almost entirely from their opponents. The extant sources discussing the sect say variously that they derived their doctrines from the Messalians, the Paulicians, or the Manichaeans.<ref>Sources for this article are listed in the External links, below. The linked sources listed there cite references to verifiable scholarly research for their assertions. The reader is referred to these sources for immediately accessible verification, in the stead of a posting of a multitude of detailed citations throughout this article. <br> Reading of each of the linked sources listed here is strongly recommended, coupled with independent consulting of the referent sources of research cited by these sources as personal verification of their authenticity and accuracy.</ref>  

The origin of the Bogomils is not clear. Information about them comes almost entirely from their opponents. The extant sources discussing the sect say variously that they derived their doctrines from the Messalians, the Paulicians, or the Manichaeans.<ref>Sources for this article are listed in the External links, below. The linked sources listed there cite references to verifiable scholarly research for their assertions. The reader is referred to these sources for immediately accessible verification, in the stead of a posting of a multitude of detailed citations throughout this article. <br> Reading of each of the linked sources listed here is strongly recommended, coupled with independent consulting of the referent sources of research cited by these sources as personal verification of their authenticity and accuracy.</ref>  

More recent scholarship focusing on the possible influence of Manichaean ideas among these sects has questioned the doctrinal affinity between the Manichaeans, the Paulicians, the Bogomils, the moderate Cathars, and the radical Cathars. On the basis of the existing sources, the supposed relationship between the radical Cathars and the Manicheans is regarded as dubious. The most that can be claimed is that all display a form of dualism in absolute rejection and opposition to the orthodox catholic Christian [[dogma]] of [[Monotheism|monotheistic]] [[Trinity|trinitarianism]], which they utterly condemn as [[apostasy]] from the truth.

More recent scholarship focusing on the possible influence of Manichaean ideas among these sects has questioned the doctrinal affinity between the Manichaeans, the Paulicians, the Bogomils, the moderate Cathars, and the radical Cathars. On the basis of the existing sources, the supposed relationship between the radical Cathars and the Manicheans is regarded as dubious. The most that can be claimed is that all display a form of dualism in absolute rejection and opposition to the orthodox catholic Christian [[dogma]] of [[Monotheism|monotheistic]] [[Trinity|trinitarianism]], which they utterly condemn as [[apostasy]] from the truth.

 

The essence of Bogomilism is the duality in the creation of the world. This is why it is considered a heresy by the Catholic Church.  

Name

Name

The main source of doctrinal information is the work of Euthymius Zigabenus, who says that they believe that God created man's soul but matter was the invention of Satan, God's older son, who in seducing Eve lost his creative power. For Bogomils "the Logos was not the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, the Eternal Word incarnate, but merely the spoken word of God, shown in the oral teaching of Christ". Concerning the Bogomils themselves, something can be gathered from the polemic ''Against the Newly-Appeared Heresy of the Bogomils'' written in Slavonic by Cosmas the Priest, a 10th-century Bulgarian official. The Slavonic sources are unanimous on the point that the teaching of the priest Bogomil was Manichaean. The names of Bogomil's pupils or "apostles", were said to be Mihail, Todur, Dobri, Stefan, Vasilie and Peter. Zealous missionaries carried the doctrines of Bogomil far and wide.  

The main source of doctrinal information is the work of Euthymius Zigabenus, who says that they believe that God created man's soul but matter was the invention of Satan, God's older son, who in seducing Eve lost his creative power. For Bogomils "the Logos was not the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, the Eternal Word incarnate, but merely the spoken word of God, shown in the oral teaching of Christ". Concerning the Bogomils themselves, something can be gathered from the polemic ''Against the Newly-Appeared Heresy of the Bogomils'' written in Slavonic by Cosmas the Priest, a 10th-century Bulgarian official. The Slavonic sources are unanimous on the point that the teaching of the priest Bogomil was Manichaean. The names of Bogomil's pupils or "apostles", were said to be Mihail, Todur, Dobri, Stefan, Vasilie and Peter. Zealous missionaries carried the doctrines of Bogomil far and wide.  

In their original monarchian dualist story, Bogomils taught that God had two sons, the elder Satanail and the younger Michael. Satanail rebelled against the father and became an evil spirit. He created the lower heavens and the Earth and tried in vain to create man, though in the end he had to appeal to God for the Spirit. After creation, Adam was allowed to till the ground on condition that he sold himself and his posterity to the owner of the Earth, Satanail.  

In their original monarchian dualist story, Bogomils taught that God had two sons, the elder Satanail and the younger Michael. Satanail rebelled against the father and became an evil spirit. He created the lower heavens and the Earth and tried in vain to create man, though in the end he had to appeal to God for the Spirit. After creation, Adam was allowed to till the ground on condition that he sold himself and his posterity to the owner of the Earth, Satanail.  

Each community had its own twelve "apostles", and women could be raised to the rank of "elect". The Bogomils wore garments like those of mendicant friars and were known as keen missionaries, travelling far and wide to propagate their doctrines. Healing the sick and exorcising the evil spirit, they traversed different countries and spread their apocryphal literature along with some of the books of the Old Testament.  

Each community had its own twelve "apostles", and women could be raised to the rank of "elect". The Bogomils wore garments like those of mendicant friars and were known as keen missionaries, travelling far and wide to propagate their doctrines. Healing the sick and exorcising the evil spirit, they traversed different countries and spread their apocryphal literature along with some of the books of the Old Testament.  

Bogomils accepted the four Gospels, fourteen Epistles of Paul, the three Epistles of John, James, Jude, and an Epistle to the Laodiceans, which they professed to have. They held the "Lord's Prayer" in high respect as the most potent weapon against Satan, and had a number of conjurations against "evil spirits". Other possible source texts for Bogomil doctrine include:  

Bogomils accepted the four Gospels, fourteen Epistles of Paul, the three Epistles of John, James, Jude, and an Epistle to the Laodiceans, which they professed to have. They held the "Lord's Prayer" in high respect as the most potent weapon against Satan, and had a number of conjurations against "evil spirits". Other possible source texts for Bogomil doctrine include:  

1000 - 11th century

1000 - 11th century

The state religion of the Uighur kingdom of Turkestan in Central Asia remained Manichaeism and this territory itself became part of the [[Islamic]] world when Turkestan was conquered. Around the year 1000, Islamic writers such as Ebn al-Nadim were writing about Manichaeism <ref>See Ebn al-Nadim, al-FEHREST iii. The Representation of Manicheism in the Fehrest.</ref>.  

The state religion of the Uighur kingdom of Turkestan in Central Asia remained Manichaeism and this territory itself became part of the [[Islamic]] world when Turkestan was conquered. Around the year 1000, Islamic writers such as Ebn al-Nadim were writing about Manichaeism <ref>See Ebn al-Nadim, al-FEHREST iii. The Representation of Manicheism in the Fehrest.</ref>. The Bogomils were the connecting link between the so-called heretical sects of the East and those of the West. They were, moreover, the most active agents in disseminating such teachings in Kievan Rus' and among all the nations of Europe.  

In 1004, scarcely 25 years after the introduction of Christianity into Kievan Rus (Ukraine), we hear of a priest Adrian teaching the same doctrines as the Bogomils. He was imprisoned by Leontius, Bishop of Kiev.  

In 1004, scarcely 25 years after the introduction of Christianity into Kievan Rus (Ukraine), we hear of a priest Adrian teaching the same doctrines as the Bogomils. He was imprisoned by Leontius, Bishop of Kiev.  

Another trend in the academic debate about Manichaean influence on Catharism centers on developments in medieval Europe itself. By the year 1000, the church had become very corrupt. Ecclesiastical offices were sold, celibacy as a clerical requirement was often ignored, and the parish priests received hardly any theological training. The heretics’ chief objections concerned the seven sacraments and the unworthiness of the clergy. They wanted to return the church to the pristine era of the apostles <ref>Van Schaik, p. 51</ref>. However the sources before about 1150 provide no substantive information about their heretical teachings. This gave rise to a broad religious reaction: the lay people in particular sought to return to the origins of Christianity. This reaction is known as the [[Pope Gregory VI|Gregorian]] reform movement. Some researchers think that Catharism is a logical radicalization of this reformation.<ref>Moore; Morghen</ref>  

Another trend in the academic debate about Manichaean influence on Catharism centers on developments in medieval Europe itself. By the year 1000, the church had become very corrupt. Ecclesiastical offices were sold, celibacy as a clerical requirement was often ignored, and the parish priests received hardly any theological training. The heretics’ chief objections concerned the seven sacraments and the unworthiness of the clergy. They wanted to return the church to the pristine era of the apostles <ref>Van Schaik, p. 51</ref>. However the sources before about 1150 provide no substantive information about their heretical teachings. This gave rise to a broad religious reaction: the lay people in particular sought to return to the origins of Christianity. This reaction is known as the [[Pope Gregory VI|Gregorian]] reform movement. Some researchers think that Catharism is a logical radicalization of this reformation.<ref>Moore; Morghen</ref>  

Their criticism of the church attracted the accusation of being ‘Manichaeans,’ an epithet derived from the writings of Augustine. The existence of Manichaeans in Europe was first reported in 1020. Many similar reports were to follow.  

Their criticism of the church attracted the accusation of being ‘Manichaeans’, an epithet derived from the writings of Augustine. The existence of Manichaeans in Europe was first reported in 1020. Many similar reports were to follow.  

Although Bogomils regarded themselves as "Trinitarian", [[anathema]]s against Bogomils (circa 1027) charge Bogomils with rejection of the [[Trinity]] as being a pagan apostasy.

Although Bogomils regarded themselves as "Trinitarian", [[anathema]]s against Bogomils (circa 1027) charge Bogomils with rejection of the [[Trinity]] as being a pagan apostasy.

Much may also be learned from the doctrines of the numerous ''variations'' of Bogomilism which spread in Medieval Kievan Rus' after the 11th century.

Much may also be learned from the doctrines of the numerous ''variations'' of Bogomilism which spread in Medieval Kievan Rus' after the 11th century.

1100 - 12th century

1100 - 12th century

The ''Legend of Saint Gerard'' discloses that followers of Bulgarian Bogomilism were present during the early 11th century in Ahtum's realm, which comprised present day Banat.  

The ''Legend of Saint Gerard'' discloses that followers of Bulgarian Bogomilism were present during the early 11th century in Ahtum's realm, which comprised present day Banat.  

In 1125, the Church in the south of Rus had to combat another heresiarch named Dmitri. The Church in Bulgaria also tried to extirpate Bogomilism. Several thousand went in the army of Alexios I Komnenos against the Norman, [[Robert Guiscard]]. Efforts were again put forth for their conversion; and for the converts the new city of Alexiopolis was built, opposite Philippopolis.  

In 1125, the Church in the south of Rus had to combat another heresiarch named Dmitri. The Church in Bulgaria also tried to extirpate Bogomilism. Several thousand went in the army of Alexios I Komnenos against the Norman, [[Robert Guiscard]]. Efforts were again put forth for their conversion; and for the converts the new city of Alexiopolis was built, opposite Philippopolis.  

Around the year 1150 the Bogomils were repeatedly condemned and persecuted by Emperor Manuel Komnenos without any apparent effect. The Bogomils spread west from the Balkans (Bosnia and Servia) into western Europe, where they became identified with the [[Cathar]]s.  

Around the year 1150 the Bogomils were repeatedly condemned and persecuted by Emperor Manuel Komnenos without any apparent effect. The Bogomils spread west from the Balkans (Bosnia and Servia) into western Europe, where they became identified with the [[Cathar]]s. The Bogomils were the connecting link between the “heretical” sects of the East and those of the West.  

The names of the Cathars or Albigensians are synonyms, the original reference being to the Cathars of the city of Albi in Southern France<ref>Müller</ref>. The Albigenses or Cathars developed into an important neo-Gnostic and dualist Christian heresy in Europe between about 1150 and 1350, significant for its rejection of both state and orthodox catholic ecclesial authority.

The names of the Cathars or Albigensians are synonyms, the original reference being to the Cathars of the city of Albi in Southern France<ref>Müller</ref>. The Albigenses or Cathars developed into an important neo-Gnostic and dualist Christian heresy in Europe between about 1150 and 1350, significant for its rejection of both state and orthodox catholic ecclesial authority.

The supposed influence of Manichaeism on the Cathars has been increasingly questioned, particularly as regards ''radical'' Catharism, because it was especially this variant of Catharism that was said to teach the same dualism as did the Manichaeans <ref>Söderberg; Dies.</ref>.  

The supposed influence of Manichaeism on the Cathars has been increasingly questioned, particularly as regards ''radical'' Catharism, because it was especially this variant of Catharism that was said to teach the same dualism as did the Manichaeans <ref>Söderberg; Dies.</ref>.  

The Cathars, like the Bogomils, claimed to be Christians. The Bogomils called for a return to what they considered to be early spiritual teaching, rejecting the authority of ecclesiastical [[hierarchy]], and their primary political tendencies were resistance to the leadership of state and church authorities. This helped the movement spread quickly. The Bogomils spread westwards, gradually expanding throughout the [[Byzantine Empire]] and later in the Balkans, reaching Kievan Rus' (Ukraine), Bosnia (Bosnian Church), Dalmatia, Serbia, Italy, and France (Cathars), and settled in Serbia, where they were to be known as Babuns (Babuni).  

The Cathars, like the Bogomils, claimed to be Christians. The Bogomils called for a return to what they considered to be early spiritual teaching, rejecting the authority of ecclesiastical [[hierarchy]], and their primary political tendencies were resistance to the leadership of state and church authorities. They ignored the feudal social system, which was interpreted by their enemies as suggesting disorder if not the destruction of the state and church. This helped the movement spread quickly. Its followers refused to pay taxes, to work in serfdom, or to fight in conquering wars. The Bogomils spread westwards, gradually expanding throughout the [[Byzantine Empire]] and later in the Balkans, reaching Kievan Rus' (Ukraine), Bosnia (Bosnian Church), Dalmatia, Serbia, Italy, and France (Cathars), and settled in Serbia, where they were to be known as Babuns (Babuni).  

They differed from Catholic Christianity in teaching dualism and [[Docetism]], both of which had been [[dogma]]tically condemned as [[Heresy|heretical]]. The Bogomils were dualists or Gnostics in that they believed in a world within the body and a world outside the body, dual existences. They did not use the Christian cross, nor build churches, as they revered their gifted physical form and considered their body to be the temple. This gave rise to many forms of practice to cleanse oneself through "purging"<ref>The forms of purging adopted specifically by the Bogomils are not clear. Some ascetical sects in history have used self-flagellation, or beating themselves with knotted whips or cords or thorns, or wearing "hairshirts" (which constantly pricked and itched) next to the skin and genitals, holding a stone in the mouth for hours and days at a time, placing small coarse pebbles in their shoes, to voluntarily go speechless and mute, saying nothing, asking for nothing, never protesting or praising for any reason, all in order to "beat down" and "punish" the passions of the body, i.e. sexual desires, anger, resentment, longing for wine and good food, desire to acquire possessions, to have property, to gain reputation, to exercise authority over others, to marry and have children.</ref>, fasting, celebrating and dancing.  

They differed from Catholic Christianity in teaching dualism and [[Docetism]], both of which had been [[dogma]]tically condemned as [[Heresy|heretical]]. The Bogomils were dualists or Gnostics in that they believed in a world within the body and a world outside the body, dual existences. They did not use the Christian cross, nor build churches, as they revered their gifted physical form and considered their body to be the temple. This gave rise to many forms of practice to cleanse oneself through "purging"<ref>The forms of purging adopted specifically by the Bogomils are not clear. Some ascetical sects in history have used self-flagellation, or beating themselves with knotted whips or cords or thorns, or wearing "hairshirts" (which constantly pricked and itched) next to the skin and genitals, holding a stone in the mouth for hours and days at a time, placing small coarse pebbles in their shoes, to voluntarily go speechless and mute, saying nothing, asking for nothing, never protesting or praising for any reason, all in order to "beat down" and "punish" the passions of the body, i.e. sexual desires, anger, resentment, longing for wine and good food, desire to acquire possessions, to have property, to gain reputation, to exercise authority over others, to marry and have children.</ref>, fasting, celebrating and dancing.  

1200 - 13th century

1200 - 13th century

Providing refuge to heretics, including bogomils, was a recurrent pretext for Hungarian rulers to declare crusades against Bosnia and extend their influence in the region. A first Hungarian complaint to the Pope was averted by the public abjuration of the Bosnian ruler Ban Kulin, close relative of Stefan Nemanja, in 1203.  

 

“Providing refuge to heretics”, including bogomils, was a recurrent pretext for Hungarian rulers to declare crusades against Bosnia and extend their influence in the region. A first Hungarian complaint to the Pope was averted by the public abjuration of the Bosnian ruler Ban Kulin, close relative of Stefan Nemanja, in 1203.  

In 1203, Pope Innocent III, with the aid of the King of Hungary, forced an agreement of Kulin to acknowledge [[Petrine Primacy|Papal authority]] and [[Roman Catholic Church|religion]]: in practice this was ignored.  

In 1203, Pope Innocent III, with the aid of the King of Hungary, forced an agreement of Kulin to acknowledge [[Petrine Primacy|Papal authority]] and [[Roman Catholic Church|religion]]: in practice this was ignored.  

When the Crusaders took Constantinople (1204), they found some Paulicians.  

When the Crusaders took Constantinople (1204), they found some Paulicians.  

Finally the church turned to its ultimate weapon, launching a crusade against the Cathars in Southern France from 1204, the same year as the beginning of the [[Franciscan|Franciscans founded 1207-08]]. Pope Innocent III officially in 1208 announced the ‘''Crusade against the Albigensians''’ (the synonym for Cathars). Thus there was a domestic crusade in Europe, between the fourth and fifth crusades against the [[Saracen]]s.  

Finally the church turned to its ultimate weapon, launching a crusade against the Cathars in Southern France from 1204, the same year as the beginning of the [[Franciscan|Franciscans founded 1207-08]].  

A ''Synodikon'' from the year 1210 adds the names of Bogomil's pupils or "apostles", Mihail, Todur, Dobri, Stefan, Vasilie and Peter, saying that zealous missionaries carried their doctrines of Bogomilism far and wide, deeply influencing the religious spirit of the nations and sowing the seeds of the [[Protestant Reformation]].

 

 

A ''Synodikon''<ref>A Synodikon is an Eastern Orthodox compilation of the lives of saints and martyrs of the Orthodox faith intended for the edification and encouragement of the Orthodox faithful.</ref> from the year 1210 adds the names of Bogomil's pupils or "apostles", Mihail, Todur, Dobri, Stefan, Vasilie and Peter, saying that zealous missionaries carried their doctrines of Bogomilism far and wide, deeply influencing the religious spirit of the nations and sowing the seeds of the [[Protestant Reformation]].

On the death of Kulin in 1216 a mission was sent to convert Bosnia to Rome but failed.  

On the death of Kulin in 1216 a mission was sent to convert Bosnia to Rome but failed.  

A second Hungarian crusade against Bosnia on the pretext of bogomil heresy was launched in 1225, but failed.

A second Hungarian crusade against Bosnia on the pretext of bogomil heresy was launched in 1225, but failed.

In Slavonic documents from the 13th century the Bogomils are identified with the Messalians.

In Slavonic documents from the 13th century the Bogomils are identified with the Messalians.

In 1252, Pope Innocent IV decided to put Bosnia's bishop under the Hungarian Kalocsa jurisdiction. This decision provoked the resistance of the Bosnian Christians, who refused to submit to the Hungarians and broke off their relations with Rome.  

In 1252, Pope Innocent IV decided to put Bosnia's bishop under the Hungarian Kalocsa jurisdiction. This decision provoked the resistance of the Bosnian Christians, who refused to submit to the Hungarians and broke off their relations with Rome.  

Under Byzantine and then later Ottoman rule, the Armenian Paulicians lived in relative safety in their ancient stronghold near Philippopolis, and further northward. Linguistically, they were assimilated into the Bulgarians, by whom they were called ''pavlikiani'' (the Byzantine Greek word for Paulician).

Under Byzantine and then later Ottoman rule, the Armenian Paulicians lived in relative safety in their ancient stronghold near Philippopolis, and further northward. Linguistically, they were assimilated into the Bulgarians, by whom they were called ''pavlikiani'' (the Byzantine Greek word for Paulician).

Due to the scarcity of documents after the Ottoman conquest, in the following centuries, the Bosnian Church and the heretical sect of the bogomils came to be identified with each other.  

Due to the scarcity of documents after the Ottoman conquest, in the following centuries, the Bosnian Church and the heretical sect of the Bogomils came to be identified with each other. Roman Catholic authorities were greatly disturbed by reports of heresy in Dalmatia and Bosnia (though modern scholarship casts doubt on the theory that the Bosnian church ever adopted the dualist theology of the Bogomils).  

From Bosnia, their influence extended into Italy (Piedmont). The Hungarians undertook many crusades against the heretics in Bosnia.

From Bosnia, their influence extended into Italy (Piedmont). The Hungarians undertook many crusades against the heretics in Bosnia.

Bogomilism was eradicated in Bulgaria, in Rascia (one of Serbian medieval states) and in Byzantium in the 13th century, but some smaller elements survived in Rascia's principality of Hum and Bosnia <ref>Hum is present day [[Herzegovina]]</ref> by embracing the eastern tradition of the Bosnian church until the Ottoman Empire gained control of the region in 1463.  

Bogomilism was eradicated in Bulgaria, in Rascia (one of Serbian medieval states) and in Byzantium in the 13th century, but some smaller elements survived in Rascia's principality of Hum and Bosnia <ref>Hum is present day [[Herzegovina]]</ref> by embracing the eastern tradition of the Bosnian church until the Ottoman Empire gained control of the region in 1463.  

1300 - 14th century

1300 - 14th century

The last Cathars, a group in the caves of Lombrive, were not eliminated until 1330, when the only access to the caves was bricked over.

The last Cathars, a group in the caves of Lombrive, were not eliminated until 1330, when the only access to the caves was bricked over.

In spite of all measures of repression, the Gnostic social-religious movement and doctrine of the Bogomils remained strong and popular until the fall of the Second Bulgarian Empire in the end of the 14th century. According to the ''Encyclopaedia of Islam'' <ref>de Blois, p. 510a.</ref> ''en masse'' conversions of the Bogomils and Cathars to Islam occurred with the main Ottoman colonization between 1300-1400.

In spite of all measures of repression, the Gnostic social-religious movement and doctrine of the Bogomils remained strong and popular until the fall of the Second Bulgarian Empire in the end of the 14th century. According to the ''Encyclopaedia of Islam'' <ref>de Blois, p. 510a.</ref> ''en masse'' conversions of the Bogomils and Cathars to Islam occurred with the main Ottoman colonization between 1300-1400.

The [[Inquisition]] reported the existence of a dualist sect in Bosnia in the late 15th century and called them "Bosnian heretics", but scholarly research suggests that this sect was most likely not the same as the Bosnian Church.  

The [[Inquisition]] reported the existence of a dualist sect in Bosnia in the late 15th century and called them "Bosnian heretics", but scholarly research suggests that this sect was most likely not the same as the Bosnian Church.  

Bogomilism had been eradicated in Bulgaria, Rascia and Byzantium in the 13th century, but some smaller elements survived in Rascia's principality of Hum and Bosnia by embracing the eastern traditions of the Bosnian Church. The Hungarians undertook many crusades against the heretics in Bosnia, but toward the close of the 15th century, the conquest of that country by the Turks put an end to their persecution. The Bogomils were still being persecuted in Bosnia in 1462. A year later, Bosnia was conquered by the [[Ottoman]]s, the Ottoman Empire gained control of the region in 1463, and the Bogomils apparently adopted [[Islam]], as they did elsewhere following Islamic conquests <ref>Bozoky</ref>.  

Bogomilism had been eradicated in Bulgaria, Rascia and Byzantium in the 13th century, but some smaller elements survived in Rascia's principality of Hum and Bosnia by embracing the eastern traditions of the Bosnian Church. The Hungarians undertook many crusades against the heretics in Bosnia, but toward the close of the 15th century, the conquest of that country by the Turks put an end to their persecution. The Bogomils were still being persecuted in Bosnia in 1462. A year later, Bosnia was conquered by the [[Ottoman]]s, the Ottoman Empire gained control of the region in 1463, and the Bogomils apparently adopted [[Islam]], as they did elsewhere following Islamic conquests <ref>Bozoky</ref>. With the Ottoman conquest of southeastern Europe in the 15th century, obscurity descended upon the sect.

Few or no remnants of Bogomilism have survived in Bosnia. The surviving old Slavonic lists of forbidden books of the 15th and 16th century give us a clue to the discovery of Bogomil heretical literature and of the means the Bogomils had employed to carry on their teachings.  

Few or no remnants of Bogomilism have survived in Bosnia. The surviving old Slavonic lists of forbidden books of the 15th and 16th century give us a clue to the discovery of Bogomil heretical literature and of the means the Bogomils had employed to carry on their teachings.  

2000 - 21st century  

2000 - 21st century  

There are still over ten thousand Banat Bulgarians in Banat today in the villages of Dudeştii Vechi, Vinga, Breştea and also in the city of Timişoara, with a few in Arad; however, they no longer practice Bogomilism, having converted to Roman Catholicism. There are also a few villages of Paulicians in the Serbian part of Banat, especially the villages of Ivanovo and Belo Blato, near Pančevo.  

There are still over ten thousand Banat Bulgarians in Banat today in the villages of Dudeştii Vechi, Vinga, Breştea and also in the city of Timişoara, with a few in Arad; however, they no longer practice Bogomilism, having converted to Roman Catholicism. There are also a few villages of Paulicians in the Serbian part of Banat, especially the villages of Ivanovo and Belo Blato, near Pančevo.  

[[category:Protestantism]

[[category:Protestantism]

[[category:Heresies]

[[category:Heresies]

   

   

   

   

Balkans: Conquest and rule

Balkans: Conquest and rule