The Diocese of Sliven prohibits the use of Orthodox symbols in the nestinarski games

The Sliven Diocese expressed strong opposition to the practice of Nestinari dances, which, according to them, have nothing to do with the Bulgarian tradition, but represent the borrowing of pagan rituals from the Far East. In an official position published on the Diocese's Facebook page, it is explained that "walking on embers" is not a unique Bulgarian practice, but is known from ancient times. The Diocese criticizes the use of Orthodox icons and other sacred relics during these rituals, which, according to them, misleads believers that the Nestinari dances have a connection with Christian rituals.

In its position, the Diocese obliges all priests and Orthodox Christians not to attend and not to participate in any way in the Nestinari games. They prohibit these rituals from starting from an Orthodox church and the use of icons or other Christian symbols. The Diocese calls on the organizers and participants of the Nestinari dances, if they cannot completely give up on them, at least to stop presenting them as connected with Christianity, as they have nothing to do with it.