Prayers for Bulgaria’s education mark the first official school day in Bulgaria, September 17 2007.

The prayers were part of the teachers’ protests against the low salaries they receive, Focus news agency reported.

Teachers from all over the country took part in the protests, which included prayers, silent rallies, one-hour strikes. Protests would continue during the rest of the week.

The teachers demand a 100 per cent increase in the monthly wages from October 1 2007.

The Teachers’ union threatens with a strike from September 24 2007, if the negotiations with the Cabinet fail.

The Cabinet offers a 52 per cent gradual increase in the salaries by July 2008.