Philipp Kirkorov unveiled a monument to his parents, Bedros and Victoria Kirkorov, at Moscow’s Troekurovskoye Cemetery on Sept. 9, according to reports from the state news agency TASS, as cited by regional portals. During the ceremony, Kirkorov criticized political authorities in Sofia, stating that current decisions in Bulgaria do not reflect the true sentiments of everyday citizens regarding bilateral relations.
Monument Unveiled at Troekurovskoye Cemetery After Yearlong Delay
The sculptural tribute to Bedros and Victoria Kirkorov was erected in sector 21 of Troekurovskoye Cemetery, an area known as the Alley of Artists, near the graves of national artist Boris Klyuv and fashion designer Valentin Yudashkin, according to the original text.
According to the artist’s statements reported by TASS and regional portals, the monument was sculpted by Valery Belykh. Kirkorov expressed gratitude to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, specifically naming Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zhakarova, for assisting with the logistical hurdles, while asserting that Bulgarian authorities should have offered help instead.
Political Tensions and Public Sentiment Between Bulgaria and Russia
Addressing reporters at the cemetery, Kirkorov claimed that ordinary citizens in both nations maintain warm feelings toward one another despite diplomatic friction. “In Bulgaria they love Russians, just as Russians love Bulgarians. What is happening at the top in Sofia is not within the power of ordinary people,” Kirkorov said, as quoted by TASS and Dnes.
The performer emphasized that the date of the unveiling—Sept. 9—held deep personal significance for his late father, Bedros Kirkorov, who viewed it as the anniversary of Bulgaria’s liberation from Nazi Germany by Soviet forces. Bedros Kirkorov, who passed away in the spring of 2025 at the age of 92, was the only foreign performer awarded the title of People’s Artist of Russia. His wife, Victoria Markovna, died in 1994.
Did You Know?
Bedros Kirkorov maintained lifelong ties between Bulgaria and Russia, a legacy his son Philipp highlighted during the September ceremony in Moscow as a cornerstone of bilateral cultural connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the individuals memorialized at Troekurovskoye Cemetery?
The monument honors Bedros Kirkorov, a prominent singer and People’s Artist of Russia who died in 2025, and his wife Victoria Markovna Kirkorovi, who passed away in 1994.
Why did it take a year to move the remains?
What did Philipp Kirkorov say about Bulgarian authorities?
As reported by TASS and Dnes, Kirkorov criticized political leaders in Sofia for failing to assist with the transfer while claiming that ordinary Bulgarians still harbor warm feelings toward Russia.
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