Presentation of a Bulgarian icon to the Head of State of Malta: History in the making

Abstract

This paper* outlines the artistic background of Malta-Bulgaria diplomatic relations. The year 2016, the 45th anniversary from the setting up of such relations, witnessed an interesting conceptual realisation which outweighs any event ever celebrated outside Bulgarian national territory, namely, the celebration of Cyril and Methodius, Slavonic patrons of culture and education, under the auspices of the Head of State of Malta at her Presidential residence. It was during a courtesy visit by Borislav Boyanov that H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, the President of Malta, was presented with an icon of the Virgin. Boyanov, Malta’s Honorary Consul in the Republic of Bulgaria, had made this presentation on his behalf and on behalf of his family. The icon was produced by Studio Dimchovski, Gostilitza, Bulgaria.