site.btaFortresses of Faith Exhibition Opens in Sofia

An exhibition of paintings depicting 12 monasteries on Mount Athos and the Rila Monastery opened at San Stefano Gallery in Sofia on Monday. Titled Fortresses of Faith, the show features works by Vasil Goranov and is accompanied by a deluxe album blessed by Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil.

Among those attending were President Rumen Radev, Secretary General of the Holy Synod Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, Ivan Granitski, Vassil Gyuzelev and Georgi Markov. Gyuzelev and Markov co-authored the album’s texts and commentary with Ivan Marazov.

Radev congratulated Goranov on his ambition, talent and dedication. He also shared impressions from his visit to the Zograf Monastery and spoke about the paintings that decorate his office.

“I would be glad if the next Bulgarian president also has a painting by Mr Goranov in his office,” Radev said.

Granitski said the exhibition aimed to show how faith could protect society from nihilism and a loss of roots.

“We believe that in such turning points, when faith and statehood are shaken, we must remember that faith is a shield,” he said, quoting writer Dimitar Talev.

Gyuzelev recalled historical themes linked to the survival of the monasteries on Mount Athos and the Rila Monastery during Ottoman rule. He also spoke about Bulgarian princess Elena, also known as nun Elisaveta, sister of Tsar Ivan Alexander and wife of Tsar Stefan Dushan, who stayed at the Hilandar Monastery during the plague epidemic in 1340.

In his speech, Markov pointed to the role of community centres alongside churches in the spiritual life of Bulgarians in the years before the Bulgarian National Revival.

“At the beginning of freedom are faith, education and enlightenment,” he added.

“Art is a tool that can direct society’s attention to the fundamental values of Christianity,” Goranov told guests at the opening.

The exhibition runs until December 20.

Born in 1972, Goranov earned a degree in painting from St Cyril and St Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, studying under Nikolay Ruschukliev. Based in Sofia, he has held numerous exhibitions in Bulgaria and abroad.