Bogomils, the name of an ancient religious community which had its origin in Bulgaria.  It is difficult to ascertain whether the name was taken from the reputed founder of that sect, a certain pope Bogumil or Bogomil, or whether he assumed that name after it had been given to the whole sect.  The word is a direct translation into Slavonic of Massaliani, the Syrian name of the sect corresponding to the Greek Euchites.  The Bogomils are identified with the Massaliani in Slavonic documents of the 13th century.  They are also known as Pavlikeni, i.e. Paulicians.  It is a complicated task to determine the true character and the tenets of any ancient sect, considering that almost all the information that has reached us has come from the opponents... (Encyclopedia Britannica, Chisholm, 1910)