ХРАМЪТ „СВ. ВМЧК ДИМИТЪР“ ВЪВ ВЪРБИЦА, ШУМЕНСКА ОБЛАСТ
THE ST. DEMETRIUS CHURCH AT VARBITZA, SHUMEN PROVINCE

Summary/Abstract: Present study is focused on the history and decoration of the St. Demetrius church in Varbitza, Shumen region. It is one of the few impressive in size and decoration Orthodox churches built in the mid-nineteenth century. Its construction was authorized by Sultan Mahmud II under the patronage of his secretary – Vasil Vlaev (Turko Vasilaki) from Varbitza. On the icons here are present the signatures of the Tryavna masters Krastyu Zahariev (the Elder) and priest Dimitar Kanchov, of the Yambol master Alexander Popgeorgiev, of the Shumen painters Nikola Vassilev and Vasil Hristov Bedelev, together with their partner at the time Anastas Karkklisiyski. The signatures of Vassilev and Bedelev found in this church are of exceptional significance for the chronology of their work, expanding the hitherto known scope of Bedelev’s activity. The surviving mural fragment in the apse proves that at some point the church was partially or completely decorated with wall paintings. Built and adorned without a lack of funds, the St. Demetrius church at Varbitza possess valuable liturgical objects and books, some of which carry important information about the history of the city.

• Details
• Contents