site.btaVice President Presents Saints Cyril and Methodius Order to Polish Slavist Naumov for Popularizing Bulgarian Culture

On behalf of President Rumen Radev, Vice President Iliana Iotova presented Prof. Alexander Naumov with the Order of SS Cyril and Methodius, Second Class, here on Tuesday. The Polish-born renowned Slavist has many years of teaching experience in his homeland, Italy, the USA, Bulgaria, and Serbia. His main research interests include Cyril and Methodius studies, Orthodox spiritual culture, and the Old Bulgarian literary tradition. 

Prof. Naumov was awarded for his significant contribution to the study of Old Bulgarian writing and literature, for services in the field of education and science and for the promotion of Bulgarian culture. The award ceremony took place at the Aula of Jagiellonian University in Krakow, where the Bulgarian Vice President was a guest at a solemn ceremony marking 50 years since Prof. Naumov was awarded a doctorate. 

"In my dreams, I never imagined that I would be part of this high ceremony in honour of one of my teachers," Iotova said in her address. She described Prof. Naumov as one of the best experts on the art of translation and old Bulgarian literature. "There is no better connoisseur of biblical elements in medieval literary texts. Remarkable is the anthology he compiled, dedicated to the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius, in which the entire cycle of works related to the first teachers is presented in Polish," the Vice President noted.

"Prof. Naumov is undoubtedly one of the best experts and analysts of the cultural and religious dialogue between the East and the West over the centuries," the Vice President underscored.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Bulgarian Vice President discussed with the Rector of the Jagiellonian University, Prof. Dr Piotr Jedynak, the opportunities for deepening bilateral contacts in the field of education and culture. Iotova raised the issue of the future of the humanities, in particular Slavic studies in the technological 21st century. "Bulgaria is a natural centre for the development of Slavic studies, and it is our goal to bring interest back to our country," Iotova noted. The Vice President and the Rector also discussed the prospects for the development of Bulgarian Studies at the Jagiellonian University, which has a long tradition, as well as of polonistics in Bulgarian universities.