Father Ivan from Novi Han has passed away, Bulgarian media reported, citing Georgi Georgiev, the mayor of the village of Yakimovo. The priest gained widespread recognition for the noble cause to which he dedicated his life — offering warmth, shelter and hope to hundreds of children and people in need, Darik Radio reported.

Over the years, hundreds of elderly people in need, single mothers with children and orphans found refuge in his orphanage "St. Nicholas" at the "Holy Trinity" church, as well as in properties Father Ivan purchased in the village of Yakimovo.

Despite his advanced age, numerous health problems and other hardships, Father Ivan never gave up. Until his final days, he continued to care for the poor, abandoned and homeless during the most difficult moments of their lives — becoming a symbol of selflessness and Christian compassion.

• Charity is about giving, not about showing off

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photo: BGNES-archive