SU Smyadovo/ Bulgaria

Yovka Zhecheva (Teacher)

Iviyan Petrov

Monika Boncheva

Nikolay Dimitrov

Presiana Hriastova

Elitza Antonova

Raia Georgieva

Zelin Huseinova

Nikolay Neykov

Nikol Yordanova

Ivanka Bratoeva

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                          Partners and Friends

Bulgaria and Ukraine today are partners and friends. Both countries maintain friendly relations based on common history, Orthodox Christianity, minority communities (especially ethnic Bulgarians in Ukraine), and shared interests in Black Sea security.

Ukraine and Bulgaria have growing trade ties, mainly in metals, agricultural products, machinery, and energy.

Bulgaria offers support at EU and NATO levels, humanitarian assistance, and a shared vision for Ukraine’s future in the European family.

Ukrainians in Bulgaria

Ukrainian Organizations in Bulgaria

Association of Ukrainians in Bulgaria "Mother Ukraine" founded in 2003 in Sofia. It promotes Ukrainian culture, organizes concerts, exhibitions, language courses, and supports the Ukrainian community. Actively involved in humanitarian aid after 2022.

Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Center "Zlata" in Sofia which focuses on preserving Ukrainian traditions and teaching children Ukrainian language, literature, history, and folk dance.

Ukrainian-Bulgarian Association in Varna and Burgas works on friendship between Bulgarians and Ukrainians, cultural exchanges, charity initiatives, and refugee support.

Ukrainian Sunday Schools in Sofia, Varna, Burgas, Plovdiv, and other cities

Ukrainian Monuments in Bulgaria

Taras Shevchenko Monument in Sofia: In 2015, a monument to Taras Shevchenko, the famous Ukrainian poet and artist, was unveiled in Sofia, symbolizing the friendship between Ukraine and Bulgaria.

The Monument to Ukrainian Soldiers Who died in Bulgaria n the Sea Garden of Varna, serves as a symbol of the historical ties and mutual respect between Ukraine and 

Bulgaria. It stands as a 

tribute to the Ukrainian 

soldiers who contributed 

to Bulgaria's defense and 

development, reflecting 

the shared history 

and enduring friendship 

between the two nations.  

is for Aleksandar Malinov (1867–1938)

Monika Boncheva 

SU Smyadovo

is for Andrey Sheptytsky (1865–1944)

Iviyan Petrov

is for Aleksandar Teodorov-Balan

A

(1859-1959)

Aleksandar Teodorov-Balan was a prominent Bulgarian linguist and public figure, born in 1859 in Kubey, Bessarabia — now in Ukraine. He later moved to Bulgaria, becoming the first rector of Sofia University and a key figure in the development of Bulgarian language and education.

Kyrylo Shatruk

is for Borys Hrinchenko

Connection to Bulgaria:

Why he matters: Symbolizes the broader pan-Slavic intellectual exchange between Ukrainians and Bulgarians. Promoted education and nationalism through literature and philology, influencing similar Bulgarian efforts.

(by Presiana Hristova)

is for Bozveli Neophyte  (1785-1848)

Neophyte Bozveli a prominent Bulgarian educator and church leader of the first half of the nineteenth century, fought for the national and ecclesiastical independence of the Bulgarians. In Odesa, an important center of Bulgarian emigration, his ideas of national revival found support among the local Bulgarian community. Through his followers, Bozveli indirectly influenced the formation of the national consciousness of the Bulgarian diaspora in the city. His struggle for church autonomy resonated with the aspirations of 

Odesa Bulgarians to preserve their cultural heritage. 

(by Zlata Siebova)

is for

Christo Vladimirov Javacheff, the Bulgarian-born artist, was renowned for his monumental environmental installations, but there is limited information on direct projects he completed in Ukraine. His work, however, had a global impact, reshaping how people interacted with urban and natural landscapes. Christo and his wife, Jeanne-Claude, were known for wrapping iconic structures and creating large-scale installations that encouraged viewers to see familiar spaces in new ways.  While there may not be a specific installation in Ukraine, his artistic philosophy—challenging conventional views of space and form—likely influenced artists and architects in the region. His legacy continues to inspire creative minds worldwide.

Elizabeth Bereziuk

is for Dimitar Agura (1849-1911)

Dimitar Agura was a Bulgarian historian and educator who lived and worked in Odesa. He was one of the first rectors of Odesa University and played an important role in developing higher education in the city. Agura promoted science and culture among both Bulgarians and Ukrainians. He also helped preserve Bulgarian identity while supporting Ukrainian academic life. His work strengthened the connection between the Bulgarian

 and Ukrainian peoples. Though not widely known, 

his legacy lives on in Ukrainian education a

nd cultural relations. (By Polina Kushnir)

is for

is for Feodosiy Tetianych

Feodosiy Tetianych

was a Ukrainian avant-garde artist and philosopher known for his concept of "Frypulia"—a worldview blending folklore, cosmic themes, and nature. His work, though deeply Ukrainian, resonated in Bulgaria, where shared Slavic motifs helped build cultural connections. Today, his legacy continues to inspire artists in both countries.

(1942–2007)

Daria Spasova, Odesa Lyceum 4

is for Georgi Sava Rakovski (1824-1867)

He was a Bulgarian patriot who spent time in Odessa and helped both Bulgarians and Ukrainians. He believed in freedom and worked with Ukrainian thinkers to exchange ideas about independence and culture. In Odessa, he supported Bulgarian immigrants by helping them open schools and cultural centers, so they could keep their traditions. Rakovski also wrote about unity and freedom, inspiring people in Bulgaria, Ukraine, and beyond. His time in Odessa showed how one person can connect nations and support peace and cooperation. (by Maksim Matsiuk)

is for Georgiev Hristo (1824-1872)

Hristo Georgiev was a public figure and a sponsor.

In the 19th century, there was a large Bulgarian 

community in Odesa. Hristo Georgiev was a famous 

supporter of education and culture. He helped 

Bulgarians in Odesa and other places in southern Ukraine.

He gave money to build schools, libraries, and churches for Bulgarian people.

Bulgarian children from Odesa, Kherson, and Bessarabia got scholarships from the Georgiev brothers to study in Bulgaria or in other countries like Bucharest, Vienna, and Paris. His help made the connection between Bulgarians and Ukrainians stronger. Odesa was a big center of education and printing. (by Lera Maksymenko)

is for 

Origins: Born in Kyiv, Tsamblak was part of a noble family and educated in Orthodox theology and literature.

Connection to Bulgaria: He moved to Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s cultural capital at the time, and became a leading member of the Tarnovo Literary School, under the mentorship of Patriarch Evtimiy. He contributed religious texts and sermons written in Church Slavonic, helping to standardize the Bulgarian literary and liturgical language. His writings combined Byzantine theology with Slavic spirituality, deeply influencing Bulgarian Orthodox traditions.

Why he matters: He is a symbol of Orthodox Slavic unity. His cross-cultural influence links medieval Bulgarian, Ukrainian, and Serbian literatures. Though he later became Metropolitan of Kyiv, his spiritual and literary legacy is deeply rooted in Bulgaria.

(by Zelin Huseinova, Bulgaria)

H is for Hristo Botev

Hristo Botev, a prominent Bulgarian poet, revolutionary, and national hero, had a significant connection with Odesa. During the 1860s, he lived in the city, where he joined the vibrant Bulgarian immigrant community.Here, he deepened his political beliefs, wrote poetry, and collaborated with other Bulgarian patriots. His presence in Odesa helped strengthen the revolutionary spirit among Bulgarians abroad and contributed to the cultural and political awakening of the Bulgarian diaspora in the city.

By Alice Utkina, Lyceum #4

is for Ivan Franko

Poet, Thinker, Revolutionary

 Legacy: Influenced Bulgarian socialist and literary circles in the early 20th century.

by Ivanka Bratoeva, Bulgaria

is for Ivan Bogorov ( 1818 - 1892 )

Ivan Bogorov was a bulgarian encyclopaedist of the National Renaissance. Ivan Bogorov was a graduate of the Richelieu Lyceum in Odessa. This educational institution played an important role in the formation of many Bulgarian Renaissance figures.

He was connected with the Bulgarian community of the city, an important part of its multicultural environment. His contribution to Bulgarian culture could indirectly enrich the cultural life of Odessa.

Odessa was the centre of Bulgarian book publishing. Given his active publishing activities later in life, 

he may have started or supported 

the publication of Bulgarian 

books and newspapers published 

in Odessa. (by Arina Zaderey)

Ivan Vazov (1850-1921), the father of modern Bulgarian literature, had deep Ukrainian connections through his mother's family from Odesa. During his 1886-1889 exile in Odesa, he penned portions of his seminal novel Under the Yoke while absorbing the city's vibrant multicultural atmosphere.

By Sarana Diana

 His works, though primarily focused on Bulgaria's liberation struggle, contained pan-Slavic themes that resonated with Ukrainian intellectuals of the era. Today, Vazov is commemorated in Odesa with a monument, symbolizing the enduring cultural ties between Bulgaria and Ukraine, while his poem The Danube stands as a testament to shared Slavic aspirations against imperial domination.

is for

is for Kyrylo Stavrovetsky-Tranquillon

Iviyan Petrov, Bulgaria

is for Lesya Ukrainka (1871–1913)

by Nikolay Dimitrov, Bulgaria

Lyuben Karavelov was a bulgarian writer, journalist and ethnographer. For some time he lived and studied in Odesa and was really into works by ukrainian authors, such as Taras Shevchenko. Lyuben Karavelov in his own works showed support for early slavic national movements, including ukrainian, and clearly distinguished ukrainians from russians, which 

was a rare thing at the time.

(by Andriy Sendyk, lyceum №4)

L for Lyuben Karavelov (1834 - 1879)

is for Mykhailo Drahomanov 

Origins: Born in Hadiach, Poltava region, Ukraine. 

Hе was a professor, publicist, and political thinker 

promoting federalism and liberal socialism. Bulgarian 

connection: After being expelled from Kyiv University

for political views, he settled in Sofia (1889–1895). Became a professor at Sofia University. Collaborated with Bulgarian revolutionaries and reformists during Bulgaria’s early post-Ottoman statehood period.

Why he matters: His ideas shaped leftist political thought in Bulgaria. He inspired movements focused on decentralization and local autonomy. Seen as a bridge between Ukrainian and Bulgarian democratic traditions.

by Nikol Yordanova, Bulgaria

is for Mykola Biliashivsky  

by Nikolay Neykov, Bulgaria

is for Nikola Mushanov (1872-1951)

Nikola Mushanov was the Prime Minister of Bulgaria for a short time. He believed in peace and working together with other countries. People respected him for his honesty and intelligence. Even though he didn’t live in Odesa for long, his work helped many Bulgarians who lived there.Nikola Mushanov was a Bulgarian politician and diplomat. He worked between World War I and World War II. He helped to make stronger connections between Bulgaria and Ukraine. He did this by working at consulates in southern cities, including Odesa. 

His work was more diplomatic, but it still helped the 

Bulgarian community in the region. (by Dasha Roslyk)

is for Nestor Kornilov (1881–1923)

by Elitza Antonova, Bulgaria

is for

Naiden Gerov (1823–1900)

Naiden Gerov was a famous Bulgarian teacher and diplomat. He lived in the 19th century and worked in Odesa when many Bulgarians moved there.

In Odesa, he helped Bulgarian children to go to school and supported their culture. He also collected Bulgarian songs, stories, and words to save them for the future. He even started making a big Bulgarian dictionary.

Thanks to Naiden Gerov, the Bulgarian 

community in Odesa became stronger, 

and the city became even more 

multicultural. (by Kyrylo Polovynka)

is for Oleksandr Dovzhenko (1894–1956)

by Iviyan Petrov, Bulgaria

is for Olesya Ilashchuk

Ukraine's Ambassador to Bulgaria 

in December 2022, has played a 

significant role in strengthening 

Ukrainian- Bulgarian relations and 

supporting the Ukrainian community in Bulgaria.

She reported that over 14,000 Ukrainian citizens are employed in Bulgaria, contributing to the local economy and paying taxes. Additionally, more than 52,000 Ukrainians have received temporary protection status in Bulgaria, reflecting successful bilateral cooperation in humanitarian efforts.

by Raia Georgieva, Bulgaria