Neofit Rilski

My name is Neofit Rilski. My secular name is Nikola Poppetrov Benin. I was born in the village of Banya, Razlog, in 1793. My father was a priest and the first teacher in Bansko. I felt a calling to education at an early age and became a monk at the Rila Monastery. I dedicated my life to the education of the Bulgarian people. I translated the New Testament into Bulgarian and wrote a grammar book and a dictionary. I taught at the renowned Aprilov School in Gabrovo. Through my works, I contributed to the development of Bulgarian book publishing and the establishment of the modern Bulgarian literary language. This paved the way for Bulgarian literature. Today, my bust in Gabrovo serves as a reminder of my contribution to Bulgarian education and literature.