A monument to Captain Petko Voyvoda was unveiled in the village of Voyvodinovo, Plovdiv Province, on the eve of September 22 - Bulgaria’s Independence Day - and the autumn celebration of the Maritsa Municipality.

Father Emiliyan conducted a solemn blessing. "We surround ourselves with the strength of Captain Petko Voyvoda, and his memory beats within us. He dedicated himself to our homeland and faith, protecting Christians and the vulnerable - women and children. Let us carry his example within us, striving to have the faith that gave him strength. Like him, let us fight for freedom and help one another," the priest emphasized in his speech.

The Mayor of Maritsa Municipality, Dimitar Ivanov, also addressed the attendees: "It is an honor and a pleasure to unveil the bust monument of a great Bulgarian with a brave heart and pure soul, who fought for our existence and for Bulgaria - Captain Petko Voyvoda. He is a shining example in Bulgarian history of patriotism and selflessness for the sake of the homeland. He did not fight for power or governance, but for freedom, bread, and his people. Petko Voyvoda is a remarkable figure, and today’s politicians should look back at Bulgarian history and learn from the deeds of our national heroes. People like Captain Petko Voyvoda gave their lives for the nation and contributed not only to freedom but to the well-being of the people."

He added that the event was held just days before the Maritsa Municipality’s holiday. "The idea for the monument came from a brave Bulgarian and patriot, someone whom the people of Voyvodinovo have the unique opportunity to have as their mayor - Dimitar Tosev. I am fortunate to call him a friend—a dreamer who, when he sets a goal, achieves it at any cost. Applause for Dimitar Tosev, who made this idea a reality in the name of Bulgaria, Voyvodinovo, and its residents. I would like to thank Panagiotis Harpidis and his family, who supported the project not only financially but also by providing information on the life and work of the captain. They helped realize the bust monument so that the residents of Voyvodinovo can be proud of the legendary figure of Petko Voyvoda."

Dimitar Ivanov also shared that work is already underway on a third monument dedicated to another figure who gave their life for Bulgaria’s freedom.

At the special ceremony for the unveiling of the bust monument to the unforgettable Bulgarian hero, a formation from the Joint Special Operations Command, along with its commander, was present. The honorary guard was inspected by the commander of the Plovdiv garrison and head of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), Major General Yavor Mateev, under the accompaniment of the representative military band of the Bulgarian Air Force.

"I want to express my deep gratitude and admiration for the faith, passion, energy, and strength with which the mayor organizes patriotic events. I thank the residents of Voyvodinovo, the children, and their teachers who share this memorable day with us, as this is the true meaning. It is true that 'a nation that does not know its history and does not honor its heroes has no future,' and Petko Voyvoda is a true hero of Bulgaria, dedicating his efforts to the liberation and unification of Bulgarian lands. Children, remember that this is a godly and patriotic cause!" With these words, Major General Yavor Mateev addressed the attendees, including students from "St. Cyril and Methodius" Primary School.

After his speech, he, along with the mayors of Maritsa Municipality and Voyvodinovo - Dimitar Ivanov and Dimitar Tosev - unveiled the monument, a work of the sculptor Vladimir Vladov.

"We Bulgarians need monuments to our great countrymen, so that we do not sever the link with our heroic past. Let us always remember the heroic life and example of the legendary Captain Petko Voyvoda. May the gratitude of future generations for his great deeds remain in the nation's memory. Thanks to the mayors of Voyvodinovo and Maritsa Municipality, after the monument to the great Bulgarian revolutionary and poet Hristo Botev, a bust of Petko Voyvoda is now unveiled here, creating a patriotic avenue, something few villages can boast of," said retired Associate Professor Petar Nenkov.

"Petko Voyvoda is in my heart. I am happy to have fulfilled the promise I made during the unveiling of the monument to Hristo Botev," shared Dimitar Tosev, dressed as a haidouk (member of the national liberation movement) with three pistols tucked into his belt, one of which is 300 years old.

Penka Chakalova-Geneva, Petko Voyvoda’s descendant, attended the event. She is the great-granddaughter of his brother, Mitryu, who was blinded by the Turks for refusing to betray his brother. "Today, through you, the whole of Bulgaria pays tribute to the great son of Bulgaria, Petko Kirkov Karakirkov, of whom I am a descendant. He is loved, and as long as there are mothers giving birth to Bulgarians, his name will live on. Captain Petko Voyvoda is the only Bulgarian who went through all three stages of the national liberation movement - haiduk, revolutionary leader, and participant in the liberation war. Twice he earned the title of captain - once from the military school in Athens, and later from the Russian Tsar. I urge you to unite around the cause of granting Captain Petko Voyvoda the title of captain in the Bulgarian army, even posthumously. I hope this appeal from the Thracian societies will come to fruition in Bulgaria because Captain Petko Voyvoda lives in the hearts of Bulgarians," Penka Geneva said. She has published two books about the family and the hero’s legacy, noting that Petko Voyvoda’s spirit lives on in his descendants.

He has seven great-grandchildren, one of whom is 8-year-old Svetlana Kostova. The young girl, a soloist in the children's vocal group "Singing Kittens", has won many awards, including a gold medal from the international competition "Magia Italiana" in Rimini. Along with her friends from the vocal group - Darina Taneva and Daria Georgieva - Petko Voyvoda’s descendant delighted the audience with performances of "Strange Boat" and "Jump the Rope", composed by Nevena Kyuchukova, which earned them the gold cup at the prestigious art festival in Italy, competing against over 400 performers from five countries.

At the end of the celebration, the guests laid wreaths and flowers at the monument to Captain Petko Voyvoda. Among them were Deputy Mayor Nikolay Stamatov, village mayors from Maritsa Municipality, councilors, representatives of civic organizations, students from "St. Cyril and Methodius" Primary School, teachers, and residents of Voyvodinovo.

The photos were provided by the Maritsa Municipality.

Top: Maritsa Municipality Mayor Dimitar Ivanov, Voyvodinovo Mayor Dimitar Tosev, and Major General Yavor Mateev stand in front of the monument to Captain Petko Voyvoda in Voyvodinovo.

Bottom: The laying of wreaths and flowers at the monument of Captain Petko Voyvoda; Dimitar Ivanov, Dimitar Tosev, Major General Yavor Mateev, Penka Chakalova-Geneva, descendant of Petko Voyvoda, and others in front of the monument; mayors and guests together with the soloists from the children's vocal group "Singing Kittens"; along with children from Voyvodinovo.