Bulgarian artist Stavri Kalinov passed away at the age of 78. "Stavri Kalinov, one of the most popular figures in contemporary Bulgarian art, has left us. We bow to his memory," the Union of Bulgarian Artists wrote on its Facebook page, describing him as "a man beyond stereotypes".

His works have been presented at exhibitions in Bulgaria, the former Yugoslavia, Italy, Germany, Spain, Great Britain, France, Australia, the USA and other countries. Stavri Kalinov's statuette of the Custodians of the Boyana Church Constantine and Helena was presented to Pope John Paul II by the Vice President of Bulgaria Todor Kavaldzhiev. In 2006, at the entrance of Old Nessebar, the 10-meter high "Statue of the Fisherman" by Stavri Kalinov was erected, which has become a symbol of the town.

"Behind his characteristic benign smile and his undeniable bright talent, his proverbial wonder, curiosity and admiration for the diversity of life, for the greatness of the searching human soul, for the unexpected creative metaphors and transformations visible only to the great artist," wrote the artist's family on Facebook.

The memorial service will take place on September 16 (Saturday) at 12.00 pm at the St. Sedmochislenitsi", 17. "Graf Ignatiev" 25, Sofia.

Bow to the memory of the artist!