Memorial Plaque Honouring Bulgarian Revival Poet Unveiled in Odesa

Yoana Vodenicharova

Pictured from left: Bulgarian Consul General in Odesa Svetoslav Ivanov, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev and Metropolitan Agafangel of Odesa and Izmail unveil a memorial plaque to Bulgarian revival poet Dobri Chintulov, Odesa, April 15, 2026 (BTA Photo/Hristo Kasabov)

Odesa, Ukraine,

15.04.2026 21:02

(BTA)

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A memorial plaque dedicated to Bulgarian poet, composer and educator Dobri Chintulov was unveiled and consecrated at the Odesa Theological Seminary Wednesday in a ceremony attended by a Bulgarian delegation, representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and members of the Bulgarian community in Ukraine. The plaque was installed at the seminary from which Chintulov graduated in 1849.

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

The Bulgarian delegation attending the event included BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, Sofia University Rector Georgi Valchev and MUSICAUTOR CEO Ivan Dimitrov. Among the Ukrainian official guests were Metropolitan Agafangel of Odesa and Izmail, Odesa Theological Seminary Rector Archpriest Dmitry Yakovenko, and Archbishop Sylvester (Stoychev) of Bilhorod.

Metropolitan Agafangel of Odesa and Izmail inaugurated the unveiling ceremony. In his address, he highlighted Bulgaria's role in the spread of Christianity. "Our Church, and the peoples of Bulgaria and Ukraine, cooperate fruitfully in addressing challenges… in the name of strengthening friendship, trust and good neighbourly relations. Our constant task remains the education of the faithful in a spirit of peace and justice, brotherly love and mutual understanding," he said.

Bulgaria’s Consul General in Odesa, Svetoslav Ivanov, described Dobri Chintulov as one of the leading figures of Bulgaria's Revival period, an exceptional teacher, educator, and writer whose works are still studied today. Ivanov recalled that Chintulov was born in 1822 in the town of Sliven in southeastern Bulgaria, into the family of craftsman Petar Chintula. He later studied at the Odesa District School with the support of wealthy Bulgarians living there. Chintulov was among the four students awarded scholarships by the Russian Emperor for the education of Bulgarian youths at the Odesa Theological Seminary, which he completed in July 1849. He returned to Bulgaria the following year, Ivanov said. The Consul General said that some 20 poems have been attributed to Chintulov, emphasizing their impact in inspiring Bulgarian youth and fostering a strong sense of patriotism and fighting spirit among the population. Bulgaria supports Ukraine in its war against Russia, as evidenced by political and financial aid and support for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Ivanov went on to say. In 2025, Bulgaria took in about 500 Ukrainian children and students of Bulgarian descent, 200 of whom were children of disabled veterans, he added.

BTA Director General Kiril Valchev said that the unveiling of the plaque was part of the Agency's "Bulgarian Places Around the World" initiative to install memorial signs dedicated to prominent Bulgarians at locations abroad where they lived and worked. So far, BTA has placed three such plaques: to Aleko Konstantinov in Odesa (Ukraine), to the brothers Lyubomir and Atanas Dalchev in Thessaloniki (Greece), and to Lyuben Karavelov in Belgrade (Serbia). Valchev said the plaque to Dobri Chintulov was another tribute to notable Bulgarians connected with Odesa, a port city that has been home to Bulgarian settlers since its founding in 1794. The BTA Director General added that a verse from one of Chintulov’s poems is inscribed on the plaque at the Odesa Theological Seminary.

Sofia Rector Prof. Georgi Valchev said that Odesa played a crucial role in the spiritual and cultural revival of the Bulgarian people in the 19th century. Odesa has always been such an important spiritual centre for the Orthodox, he 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. Valchev noted that Chintulov “inspired several generations of Bulgarians with the idea of freedom”, contributing to the awakening of national consciousness.

Kyiv Theological Seminary Rector Archbishop Sylvester Stoychev of Bilhorod said that in the 19th century, the Odesa Theological Seminary and the Kyiv Theological Academy accepted many Bulgarian youth, who later became clerics, public figures, or participants in the struggles for liberation. He focused on the historical ties between Bulgaria and Kyivan Rus, noting that with the spread of Christianity and the development of literature, a significant part of the spiritual and cultural influence came from Bulgaria. The archbishop pointed out that these historical ties are the foundation for contemporary cooperation between the two nations and should be preserved through memory and joint initiatives. He expressed gratitude to Bulgaria for its support for Ukraine, including for sheltering Ukrainian citizens.

During the event, Metropolitan Agafangel of Odesa and Izmail presented honorary certificates to official guests from Bulgaria. Consul General Ivanov was honoured for his services to the Odesa Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, as well as for strengthening friendship and cooperation between Ukraine and Bulgaria. Prof. Georgi Valchev and BTA Director General Kiril Valchev were awarded honorary certificates for their contribution to strengthening ties between Ukraine and Bulgaria.

Meanwhile, Odesa came under a drone attack from the Black Sea, local Telegram channels reported. Explosions were heard across the city and an air raid alert was issued.

/RD/