Unknown Memoirs of Exarch Stefan I of Bulgaria: Between Personal Memory and Historical Mission

Rusalena Pendzhekova-Hristeva,

Georgi Mandev,

Iliana Jekova

University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”

https://doi.org/10.53656/his2025-6-1-rus

Abstract. The article presents and examines, from a source-critical perspective, newly discovered memoirs of Exarch Stefan I of Bulgaria (1878 – 1957), entitled “Brief Memories and Impressions from Visits to Certain Countries in Northern Europe”. The text combines autobiographical accounts, spiritual reflections, and diplomatic observations derived from travels and missions in various European countries. The personal narrative intertwines the author’s life story with key social and ecclesiastical transformations in Bulgaria during the first half of the 20th century. Particular attention is devoted to impressions from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, presented as examples of established democratic culture, social justice, and religious morality. Through comparative analysis, the cleric contrasts the “civilized North” with the “Balkan chaos,” formulating value-based guidelines for societal and spiritual renewal. The memoirs stand out for their multi-layered structure, combining documentary accuracy, cultural-historical perspective, and philosophical depth, offering an original insight into Bulgaria’s international ecclesiastical and cultural interactions during the period under review.

Keywords: Exarch Stefan I of Bulgaria; memoirs; history of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church; church diplomacy; Northern Europe; ecumenical movement

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