The name of Paisii Hilendarski undoubtedly stands at the top of the list of national Revival leaders, who skillfully used his knowledge of the past to put sharply on the agenda of society the tasks of the present and to outline the prospects for the future. With these words, the President of BAS, Prof. Julian Revalski, Full Member of the Academy, opened the conference “In the Beginning was History” in Bansko and gave a start to the celebrations on the occasion of 300 years since the birth of Paisii and 260 years since the writing of “Istoria Slavenobolgarskaya” (History of Slavo-Bulgarians).
These two anniversaries are a wonderful occasion to turn once again, with the power of impartial scientific studies, to the dawn of that epoch which revived the national spirit of the Bulgarian people and resurrected it for a new state life to be now an integral part of the free European nations, he added.
A congratulatory address was also made by the Minister of Education and Science Acad. Nikolai Denkov. In his speech, he stressed that he believed scientific knowledge about Paisii should be developed not to change myths but to learn how these miracles happened in life because we need them.
Among the official guests were the Mayor of Bansko municipality Eng. Ivan Kadev and the Metropolitan of Nevrokop H.Em. Seraphim. The conference brought together historians and prominent scholars, including Prof. Kiril Topalov, Prof. Nikolay Chernokozhev, Prof. Nikolay Aretov, Prof. Margaret Dimitrova, Prof. Ilia Todev and others. They presented the latest research on the life and work of the great Bulgarian Revival leader. A documentary poster exhibition of the Central Library of BAS was exposed in the foyer, which showed the editions of “Istoria Slavenobolgarskaya” stored there as well as more important studies and publications on it by Bulgarian and foreign scholars.
Earlier, the delegation laid wreaths and flowers at the monument of Paisii Hilendarski in the town. The celebrations will continue throughout the year with exhibitions, presentations of books and scientific works, a public reading of “Istoria Slavenobolgarskaya” etc., culminating on November 1.
