They settled in colonies between the Dniester and Prut rivers and founded the cities of Bolgrad and Comrat, as well as 64 villages, thanks to the autonomous rights granted to them at that time by the Russian Empire. Thus, Bulgarian settlers find an opportunity for the free development and preservation of their native language and culture, and later, after the Liberation of Bulgaria, they actively participate in its restoration.

And today, these Bulgarians, who have preserved the richness of their native language with the typical dialect forms from the regions they were forced to leave, live with Bulgaria in their hearts. And when they approach their native land, their souls tremble and they recognize the place where their ancestors once lived 200 years ago. One of these places is located in Edirne Thrace, where the villages of Vaisal and Davlet Agach are located, very close to the border with Bulgaria. The family of Father Genadiy Martinov, with whom we met recently, lived there.

In a special interview for Radio Bulgaria, the priest says that today there is not a trace of them left in this region, but there is a spiritual connection that nothing can erase. "No matter what they tell us and no matter how they want to hide it - our soul knows, has a memory, has a connection with both the present and the past," notes Father Gennady. In his family, "there has been no mixed blood for all 200 years" on both the paternal and maternal lines. "On both sides – completely Bulgarian families with traditions," says Father Genadiy and adds:

"I can't describe to you how important it was for us in childhood to know the holidays. Each of them brings its own aroma to the dishes that are being prepared. How they smell – I have no words to convey it to you, but I can't forget it either. That's your basis. Then add knowledge, geography, history and whatever you want. In our country, remembering your family, remembering who your grandfather is, who your great-grandfather is the greatest strength. We have books in the archive for 200 years – who were the first families to come, I know who my first great-great-great-grandfather was, who came to Bessarabia. And after 200 years, I, the descendant of those who could not come to see their ancestral homeland, am giving an interview. Entire generations grew up – were born and died without coming to see the country of their ancestors. This is a great tragedy, but they loved their homeland so much that I can neither write it with a pen nor tell it with words. You cannot express what every soul carried."

And in order for it to continue to burn, a spiritual bridge is needed between Bulgaria and its scattered children - a place where they can return to remember who they are, to hear the call of their soul. This is also the main idea behind the architecture of the basilica in Artsyz, which Father Gennady is building with the help of like-minded people, donors and volunteers. 

"This center, this spiritual bridge that is being built is another opportunity or attempt to preserve what we can. Even though we are scattered around the world, we will know that there is one place that reminds us of Bulgaria", explains Father Gennady and adds: "Time tells us: build a bridge so as not to lose what is most precious. As long as we preserve it and bring it into some form - it will not be lost."

According to Father Gennady, every time one expects to see light in a person, but it takes a long time for this light to be born.

• Two centuries of longing: The Bessarabian and Tavrian Bulgarians' bond with their ancestral land

English publication: R. Petkova