Photos

This is St. Evtimii, Patriarch Tarnovski, an individual who plays major role in the history of Bulgaria.
He was born around 1327 in the old Bulgarian capital: Veliko Tarnovo. Very young, he becomes a monk in Kilifarevo Monastery, which was a famous learning centre.

With the time, he created a theologian school with great importance. Famous for his faith, ascetism, education and inspiration, he became the Patriarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in 1375. He becomes a patriarch following the people's will in times difficult for our country. At that time, the Ottoman empire had already started to threaten the existence of an independent Bulgarian state. During those times, he was not only the patriarch, but also the protector of the Bulgarian people. In 1393, the capital Veliko Tarnovo fell under the seige of the Ottomans, and it is said that Patriarch Evtimii was the one who kept the spirit of the Bulgarains alive to fight for their freedom.

There is a saying that after the city fell under the attacks, the Ottomans sentenced Evtimii Tarnovski to death. In the moment the executioner raised his hand to behead him, his hand turned to stone.
Some sources tell that the patriarch was sent to exile in the southern paets of Bulgaria where he died around 1401-1402.

Bulgarians still remember what he did for the people. The monument I took a photo of is situated in the centre of Sofia, in a small square. Nowadays, this square is a very famous gathering point for young people. How past and present meet can be seen there: there are always fresh flowers laid at his monument.