site.btaSofia University Rector: Odesa Played Extremely Important Role in Spiritual, Cultural Revival of Bulgarian People in 19th Century

Odesa played an extremely important role in the spiritual and cultural revival of the Bulgarian people in the 19th century, Sofia University Rector Prof. Georgi Valchev said at the unveiling of a memorial plaque dedicated to Bulgarian poet, composer and educator Dobri Chintulov at the Odessa Theological Seminary on Wednesday.

The project was implemented as a joint initiative of the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) and the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Odesa, with the support of the Odessa Theological Seminary.

“Odesa has always been such an important spiritual centre for the Orthodox,” the Rector added, recalling the existence of the Odesa Bulgarian Board of Trustees, established by Bulgarian merchants active in the city. He noted that this is “yet another proof of the cultural ties that exist between Bulgaria and Ukraine, and which must continue to exist,” stressing the importance of historical memory.

“You can liberate a person only when they themselves wish it and realise that they must be free,” Prof. Valchev said. According to him, Dobri Chintulov “sought the people’s love for a long time” and “inspired several generations of Bulgarians with the idea of freedom”, contributing to the awakening of national consciousness.

“His songs, although numbering around 20, continue to be sung by all Bulgarians to this day,” the Rector noted.

Among the official Bulgarian guests at the event in the Ukrainian Black Sea city of Odesa were also Bulgaria’s Consul General Svetoslav Ivanov, Sofia University Rector Prof. Georgi Valchev, and Musicautor Executive Director Ivan Dimitrov. Among the official Ukrainian guests were Metropolitan Agatangel of Odesa and Izmail, Odessa Theological Seminary Rector Archpriest Dimitry Yakovenko, and Kyiv Theological Seminary Rector Archbishop Sylvester (Stoychev) of Bilhorod.