Logo THE GRAND LODGE OF
THE ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
IN BULGARIA
founded on September 20, 1997

How to become a
Freemason?

To become a Freemason, you must possess a desire for personal growth, high moral standards, and a commitment to spiritual and ethical improvement. Membership in the Masonic lodge is based on a voluntary decision, motivation, and a readiness to adhere to the principles of the fraternity.

There is one way for this to happen - to be one of us, you must ask one of us.
Choose the city in which you want to become part of the Great Building of World Brotherhood.
Look for a Brother Master Mason to vouch for you.
There will follow a time with an unspecified period of judgment for your actions in the profane world.
You will need to provide a biography and a certificate of criminal record with the status "THE PERSON IS NOT CONVICTED".

What requirements are presented to a person wishing to become a Freemason?
According to the ritual, the main requirements for the candidate are that he must be a man of "free will and good morals." In modern times, the meaning of the first condition has somewhat diminished, so significant attention is paid to the candidate’s moral qualities. Preliminary interviews are conducted with him, and, if possible, his acquaintances are also consulted.
The potential candidate must be a man who believes in the Supreme Being, in God, and in the immortality of the soul.
Since Freemasonry is a humanitarian society that aims, among other things, to help others through charity, and as membership in the Brotherhood involves the regular payment of dues and other fees, the potential candidate must have a certain financial standing. This requirement is not burdensome, as all financial matters in the Brotherhood are handled in consideration of the brothers’ real capabilities.

What restrictions does Freemasonry have regarding a candidate's faith and race?
None! The candidate must simply believe in God, the immortality of the soul, and the higher purpose of Man in the Universe. Conversely, some religious denominations impose certain restrictions on membership in the Brotherhood. For example, until recently, there was a ban on membership for adherents of the Roman Catholic Church.

Do I need to be invited to join Freemasonry, or can I take the initiative?
Freemasonry is not a sect or missionary organization and does not recruit its members from society. If you are waiting, it means you will wait forever. The Masonic principle is not to recruit followers. Therefore, if you have the desire, it is reasonable to seek ways to establish connections with the Brotherhood, and then proceed according to the circumstances.

Are there any obligations or fees associated with being a Freemason?
Yes. Lodges have expenses and need finances. Typically, a Freemason pays an annual membership fee. When initiated into the first degree, the Mason also pays a one-time initiation fee. The amount of the fee is determined within reasonable limits, and is affordable for the brothers. The fee is not symbolic.

I want to become a Freemason. What should I do?
If you know a Freemason, you can approach him. If not, we recommend contacting us via the lodge's email office@glafam.bg. Be ready to provide detailed information about yourself – a membership request in free form, a CV, and your reasons for applying.

The candidate is interviewed by at least three master masons. Afterward, the matter is discussed by the lodge's leadership, and if the candidate cannot present Masonic sponsors, his case is reviewed and discussed further. The lodge members then discuss the matter once more before making a final decision. A candidate is rejected if at least three members of the lodge vote against him. However, if even one or two members speak strongly against the candidate, this can significantly delay the initiation.

If a positive decision is made, the candidate is informed of the date and time of the initiation. The entire process can take time and may last several months.
We hope you understand that being a Freemason is not easy. It requires a great deal of commitment, and you must find the strength within yourself to meet these demands. You must also sincerely believe in God. We urge you to carefully consider whether you are ready for this endeavor, where the only reward will be the spiritual support of your brothers, before submitting your application for membership.

What do I need to know before becoming a Freemason?

Joining Freemasonry is an important step in your personal development. Our principles are based on morality, ethics, brotherhood, and respect for tradition. Learn about the requirements and commitments before embarking on this path toward self-discovery and belonging to a global fraternity.

Learn more