At a solemn ceremony in the Coat of Arms Hall of "Dondukov" 2, President Rumen Radev awarded the Order of "St.

St. Cyril and Methodius" first degree and badge of honor of the head of state prominent figures in the fields of culture, science, education and medicine.

Petar Goranov, Father Alexander Chakarak, Prof. Diana Petkova, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrakov, Eng. Todor Toshev, Ivo Papazov - Ibryama were honored.

On the eve of Bulgaria's national holiday, it is my honor and privilege to present the highest state awards and honors to six deserving Bulgarians who enjoy high public recognition and respect.

With their work, they contribute to the well-being of the people in our country and our communities abroad and continue to raise our reputation internationally, said President Rumen Radev.

The wide palette of fields to which today's laureates have devoted their human, scientific, creative potential and energy is an expression of the deep connections in which all spheres of our social life function, each of which has its own outstanding gifts, personalities with apostolic thoughts, academic leaders and skilled in their profession, but all of them united by a common goal and direction – forward towards Bulgaria, the head of state also said.

The President will award outstanding figures in the fields of culture, science, education and medicine

According to Radev, today's ceremony is an expression of the deep appreciation of our entire society for the work of the awardees for raising the level of Bulgarian science and education, spirituality and culture, innovations, discoveries in health to a higher and higher level, for strengthening the spiritual connection with the homeland of our communities abroad. 

"As a Bulgarian, I am proud of your achievements, which glorify our country far beyond our borders and continue to inspire many young people," said the president.

"I believe that your responsibility to the development of the country, to the formation of knowledgeable, capable and spiritually rich young people will continue to unite you and be an example to be followed by your worthy and numerous followers," Radev addressed the honorees. 

Petar Goranov, who was awarded the Order of St.

St. Cyril and Methodius" first degree for his merits in the field of culture.

"We think that we will work hard, we will do everything possible to raise the prestige of Bulgaria," he said. 

Father Alexander Chakaruk

received the order "St.

St. Cyril and Methodius" first degree for his merits for the preservation of the Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage.

Prof. Diana Petkova

was awarded for her merits in the field of science .

Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrakov

was honored for his contribution to the development of medical science and the specialty "Nephrology" in Bulgaria.

received an award

for his active teaching activity in the field of technology transfer and licensing, for the development of the patent case, the economy and high technologies, as well as for the formation of a successful innovation policy and implementation of the experience of the leading world economies in Bulgaria .

Ivo Papazov - Ibryama

was honored for his contribution to Bulgarian culture and for spreading the cultural traditions of Bulgaria throughout the world, as well as on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of his birth.

order "St.

St.

Cyril and Methodius"