Rodat na Otets Matei-Faktor v Razvitieto na Tsarkovno-Uchilishtnoto Delo v S. Belitsa, Razlojko. (Bulgarian)

The epoch of the Bulgarian renaissance was marked by radical changes in the lives of Bulgarians. New economic forms opened the way to stock-market relations and new social groups with expanded horizons brought about fundamental changes in Bulgarian education and culture. The move for new forms of Bulgarian education gained force in the second half of the 19th century and was helped by the Krim War, which changed the conditions of life and created new appreciation for education and science. In the mid-19th century, new civic schools opened doors in Macedonia, including one in the village of Belitsa, in the northeastern part of Razlog valley, Bulgaria. Belitsa was an important village in the region, second only to Bansko in its significance. The area had predominately agrarian character, with strong livestock, forestry and craft sectors. Belitsa was also an important religious center with records of religious activities dating as far back as the 1560s. In 1835, Belitsa built a new church -- "St. George" -- and established a church governing body, which took the region’s educational programs under its wing. A new Bulgarian civic school was established in 1873 and revived in 1885 after a brief closure during the Russian-Turkish war. In 1886, an Educational Leadership Unit, which became independent from the church began its work. Between 1894 and 1895, a classroom school also opened its doors. Much of the religious life in the village in the 19th century is connected with the name of priest Matei (Mateya) Yanchov, who was in the service of the church from 1865 to 1885 and also helped print books for the community. Priest Mateya’s son, Ivan Popmateev, was also a respected church and school leader. Ivan Popmateev was a revolutionary (he fought in the April Uprising, the Ilynden-Preobrajen Uprising, and World War I), a priest (he served at the "St. George" church), and a revered teacher (he taught in various schools for 35 years). The Popmateev family played a significant role in the religious and educational life in the region and should be commemorated by future generations.