On the sacred island of St. Ivan near Sozopol - a place marked by history, knowledge and spirituality - a solemn ceremony was held today to award Prof. Kazimir Popkonstantinov with the highest distinction of the University of Library Science and Information Technologies (UniBIT) - the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa.
The event brought together prominent representatives of the spiritual, academic and public elite. Among those present were His Eminence Metropolitan Arseny of Sliven, the Mayor of the Municipality of Sozopol Mr. Tihomir Yanakiev, Deputy Mayors Andrey Nikolov and Todor Damyanov, the Chairman of the Municipal Council Mr. Stanimir Andonov, Archpriest Dimitar Popov - archpriest of the church “St. St. Cyril and Methodius“ in the town of Sozopol, directors of cultural institutions, representatives of the scientific and educational community and public figures.
The ceremony, marked by exceptional solemnity, was led by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prof. Stoyan Denchev. The Rector of the University - Prof. Irena Peteva presented Prof. Popkonstantinov with an honorary diploma and regalia, and the Vice-Rectors Prof. Ivanka Pavlova and Prof. Tereza Trencheva symbolically placed the academic gown and necklace - signs of the highest recognition of the Alma Mater on Prof. Popkonstantinov.
In his speech, the world-renowned scientist Prof. Popkonstantinov expressed deep gratitude for the honor and emphasized the symbolism of the chosen location for the event. He recalled that it was here, on the island of St. Ivan, that in ancient times there existed a library - a repository of books, papyri and knowledge. With a clear reference to the mission of UniBIT, the professor pointed out that this continuity between the past and the present is the bridge on which enlightenment flows.
The recognition of Prof. Kazimir Popkonstantinov is also a recognition of his undeniable contribution to the development of archaeology, science and the preservation of the cultural and historical heritage of Bulgaria - with these words the mayor of Sozopol, Mr. Yanakiev, addressed everyone.
With words about the scientist's global contribution and accompanied by thunderous applause, Prof. Denchev closed the ceremony quoting Xi Jinping that science has no borders, but scientists have a Homeland and we should all be proud that Prof. Kazimir Popkonstantinov was born in Bulgaria.
After the official presentation of the regalia, the chairman of the Municipal Council – Mr. Andonov and the mayor – Mr. Yanakiev presented the symbolic golden key of the city of Sozopol to the honorary citizen Kazimir Popkonstantinov, and he, in the spirit of tradition, thanked and jokingly asked the question “Can I unlock all the doors in the city with this key?“, and the answer was positive!
