Andrew Petkov facts for kids
Andrew Petkov (born Stoyan Nikolov Petkov) was an important leader of the Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Diocese of the USA, Canada and Australia. He was known as the "Metropolitan of New York" from 1947 until his death in 1972. He was born on December 31, 1886, and passed away on August 9, 1972.
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Early Life and Education
Stoyan Petkov was born in a village called Vrachesh, near Botevgrad, Bulgaria. He received his early education in Targovishte.
In 1903, he joined the Sofia Seminary, a school for future church leaders. He finished his studies there in 1909. After that, he continued his education at the Moscow Eastern Orthodox Academy in Russia from 1911 to 1916.
Service During Wartime
During his studies, Stoyan Petkov also served his country. He was a soldier (private) in the Balkan Wars from 1912 to 1913. Later, he worked as a medical helper in the Russian army from 1914 to 1915. After graduating from the Moscow Academy, he taught in Saint Petersburg, Russia, for two years (1916–1918).
Return to Bulgaria
Stoyan Petkov returned to Bulgaria after the Russian Revolution began. Back in his home country, he took on several important roles.
From 1919 to 1921, he worked as a secretary and inspector for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He then became a teacher at the Sofia Seminary from 1921 to 1926. After that, he led the culture department at the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church from 1926 to 1929. The Holy Synod is like the main governing body of the church.
Becoming a Bishop
In 1928, Stoyan Petkov chose his religious name, "Andrey" (Andrew). He was then ordained, which means he officially became a church minister. He first became a yero-deacon and then an archimandrite, which are important steps in the church hierarchy.
On April 20, 1929, he became a bishop with the special title "Velichki." He was also appointed as a helper (vicar) to Simeon, who was the Metropolitan of Varna and Preslav. A Metropolitan is a senior bishop who leads a large church area.
Leading the Diocese in America
In 1937, the Holy Synod sent Bishop Andrey to the United States. His mission was to lead the Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Diocese of the USA, Canada and Australia. This church region covered Bulgarian Orthodox communities in the USA, Canada, and Australia. His main office was in New York City.
He served as the Metropolitan of this diocese for many years, helping to guide and support Bulgarian Orthodox Christians living far from their homeland.
Later Life and Legacy
Metropolitan Andrew passed away in 1972. He was buried in the St. John of Rila Church, Targovishte in Bulgaria. This church was rebuilt with money he donated during the 1970s, showing his lasting care for his faith and community.
