The head of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute, Prof. Hristo Pimpirev, spoke in "The Day Begins" about the first Orthodox chapel in Antarctica, the power of faith among scientists and his new book. In a conversation dedicated to faith, science and human resilience, he spoke about one of the most unusual spiritual places on the planet – the Bulgarian Orthodox chapel on the Ice Continent.
„Man cannot do without faith“, says Prof. Pimpirev.
„We, the Antarctic people, felt it ourselves. We lived in a closed society, far from the world, and we needed a place where a person could be alone with himself and talk to the Higher Power – be it God or whatever everyone carries in their heart.“
The idea for the chapel arose spontaneously. Initially, the building was conceived as a shelter for a snowmobile, made of plywood. However, after it was built, the scientists decided to place a cross, and then icons. Thus, almost without planning it, they created the first Orthodox chapel in Antarctica.
The chapel is named after St. John of Rila - the most Bulgarian saint and hermit.
“We compared ourselves to him - he was in the Rila Desert, and we - on the other side of the world“, shares Prof. Pimpirev.
Over time and with the increase in the number of expeditions, the chapel became cramped. Today it is housed in a new, larger building, with icons painted on site by the icon painter Ganka Pavlova – the so-called “Antarctic icons“.
When science meets faith
According to Prof. Pimpirev, the meeting between science and faith gives rise to strength.
“A person becomes stronger by overcoming difficulties. The most dangerous person is the one who does not believe in anything – he is not afraid of anything.“
He recalls that in the past, science has often denied faith, and in some countries, temples have been destroyed. Nevertheless, the symbols remain – like the cross that survived a mudslide in Colombia that buried an entire village, and the chapel in the ice of Antarctica.
Holidays, prayer and community at the end of the world
The chapel is a place of prayer and solitude, open to everyone. There, Bulgarian polar explorers celebrate Christmas, Jordan's Day, St. John's Day and other holidays. On Christmas Eve, the tradition of a lean meal is observed, and New Year's is often celebrated several times - according to the different time zones of the international team.
„There we are one big family“, says Prof. Pimpirev.
„We celebrate together, we sing, we dance. Sometimes I dress up as Santa Claus – everyone must recite a poem or sing a song to receive a gift.“
New book and curious stories from Antarctica
During the conversation, Prof. Pimpirev also presented his new book, co-authored with Iglika Trifonova. It was published three years after “The Antarctic Hitchhiker“ and tells the story of the most recently discovered continent, about nature, science and the Bulgarian presence there.