2024-09-06 15:08:09
Unification Day is a lesson in strength, dignity and wisdom, Iliyana Yotova congratulated the Bulgarians present at the events
Dr. Petar Beron’s “Fish Primer” is one of the precious stones that shine in Bulgarian history, one of the events that have preserved us over the centuries and thanks to them we exist as a people and a nation. This was stated by Vice President Iliana Yotova in Barcelona at the opening of events dedicated to the 200th anniversary of Dr. Petar Beron’s “Primer with Different Teachings” – a round table and exhibition “The Unknown “Fish Primer”. The events are organized by the University of Library Science and Information Technologies, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the National Library “St. St. Cyril and Methodius”, the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Barcelona and the Association of Bulgarians in Barcelona “St. George”. The Royal Artistic Circle in Barcelona is hosting the events, the press center of the presidency announced.
Among the prominent artists who received the highest award of the Royal Artistic Circle is the Bulgarian sculptor Vezhdi Rashidov.
“He who has science never fails” – with one of the tips in the “Fish Primer”, the vice president greeted the participants and those present at the events. “There is truth, wisdom and light in these words. The only path that leads us forward is the path of knowledge. The Bulgarian nation was born from letters, from literature, from knowledge, spirituality and culture. Two heavy slaverys erased Bulgaria from the world map for a long time. And then the Bulgarians did not treasure gold and other possessions, for them the precious things were the books and the knowledge enclosed between their covers. They knew the power of education and culture,” stressed Iliana Yotova.
In his speech, the vice-president highlighted the diversity of the work of Dr. Petar Beron and the enormous contribution of the “Ribnia primer” to Bulgarian education and Bulgarian culture even in the years before the Liberation and the impetus it gave to their development within the framework of European culture. “To be first, to lay the foundations, to chart the way not only for your contemporaries, but also for future generations – how much foresight, strength, ambition and a broad world view are needed! Someone will say that such courage is inherent in youth. It is true, but it is not enough to become a person who makes a revolution at the age of 25, because he is convinced that educated people build not only their future, but also the future of Bulgaria,” Iliana Yotova pointed out.
She emphasized that the publication of the first Bulgarian secular primer marks the beginning of the new Bulgarian education, introduces a new method of education, makes the transition from spiritual texts in books to secular knowledge. The “Fish Primer” is one of the most significant books of the Bulgarian revival – the era that prefigured the awakening of a nation and the resurrection of a country,” said the vice president.
Iliana Yotova emphasized that the bright example of Dr. Petar Beron inspires even today sincere patriotism, not patriotism, dedication to others, a desire to develop not only yourself, but also others.
“Dr. Petar Beron is one of the Bulgarian revivalists, thanks to whom Bulgaria spread its cultural influence throughout Europe. The word revivalist is very difficult to translate into another language, because it combines enlightenment, education, patriotism, and dedication of primordial human virtues,” the vice president pointed out.
“Thank you for sharing with us the centuries-old and rich Bulgarian culture,” said the president of the Royal Artistic Circle, Josep Felix Benz, and emphasized the intense cultural contacts between Spain and Bulgaria. “The new wake-up call I learned from Vice President Yotova is so necessary today and we all need to adopt it to improve today’s world,” Benz said.
The Vice President presented the President of the Royal Artistic Circle with a replica phial depicting a rhyton from the Panagyur Treasure. Josep Felix Benz invited Iliana Yotova to leave a message in the more than 100-year-old book of honor of the Royal Artistic Circle, in which a number of Spanish kings and famous artists have left their signatures.
“It is an honor for me that on one of the most important dates in Bulgarian history in Barcelona we talked about the ancient Bulgarian culture and spirituality and their influence in Europe and the world,” the vice president wrote.
“Today, we are all united in the conviction of the power of education and culture, of memory, from which we draw strength, self-confidence and inspiration. We also draw strength and inspiration from the memorable September 6, 1885. The Day of the Unification of Bulgaria is a lesson in dignity, strength and wisdom. September 6, 1885 is the strong example in Bulgarian history of unity in thoughts, feelings and deeds. This date lives in the heart of every Bulgarian and abroad. The spirit of unity is in our desire to be together, to do more – the strong steel thread of the Bulgarian memory that connects us, together to build Bulgaria”. With these words, the vice president congratulated those present on the occasion of the Unification Day of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia.
Later, Iliana Yotova will celebrate the holiday together with the Bulgarian community.