100-Year-Old Beggar Celebrated as Living Saint in Bulgaria

AFP ^ | 24 MAY 2014

[nickcarraway]

A 100-year-old beggar in a threadbare coat, "Grandpa" Dobri, is already celebrated as a saint in Bulgaria -- a symbol of goodness in a country ravaged by poverty and corruption.

For over 20 years, Dobri Dobrev has been begging on the streets of Sofia, collecting alms worth tens of thousands of euros. And he has given it all to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

This has made him the largest private donor of the golden-domed Alexander Nevski cathedral even as he maintains an ascetic lifestyle.

[nickcarraway]

[ClaytonP]

He could have gotten a job and donated his money to the church.

I don't see this behavior as virtuous at all. In fact, I see it as a form of deception. He made himself out to need material charity and then he took that charity and gave it to the church.

[Bill Russell]

Perhaps the calling him a beggar is inappropriate — there is certainly nothing deceptive about it. In reality, he is a street level charitable fundraiser — and a highly successful one, given he is raising money in an area where people have very low incomes ($5 to $10 a day was the norm when I was there). The man makes the best contributions he can with his with his fundraising skills through very hard work....He is an inspiration to many in Bulgaria, and me as well.

[maine-iac7]

He could have gotten a job and donated his money to the church. " blahblahblah

Let's see, he's been doing this for 20 years - so he would have been 80 when he started - yeah, he could had gotten a job at 80 - in a country with an average wage of 420 euros - a MONTH - and worked through his 80's and 90's = and had pennies to donate.

For all you know, he DID work 'a job' all his life until his 80's -

there's just so much wrong with your cynical post, there's no adequate way to respond.

But I guess if "The Poor Wayfaring Man' should cross your path, it's easy to guess your actions.

[ClaytonP]

there's just so much wrong with your cynical post, there's no adequate way to respond.

Then you shouldn't have instead of acting like a jerk.

[ClaytonP]

But I guess if "The Poor Wayfaring Man' should cross your path, it's easy to guess your actions.

And I suppose you know all about me.

I bow before the (self) righteous "Christian" pronouncing judgement upon me

[nickcarraway]

And when he was gone forth into the way, a certain man, running up and kneeling before him, asked him: Good Master, what shall I do that I may receive life everlasting? And Jesus said to him: Why callest thou me good? None is good but one, that is God. Thou knowest the commandments: Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, bear not false witness, do no fraud, honour thy father and mother. But he answering, said to him: Master, all these things I have observed from my youth. And Jesus, looking on him, loved him and said to him: One thing is wanting unto thee. Go, sell whatsoever thou hast and give to the poor: and thou shalt have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me. Who being struck sad at that saying, went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

[Gene Eric]

>> I see it as a form of deception

By which actor in the beggar’s transaction?

[Bill Russell]

Well quoted, Nick.

[Bill Russell]

ClaytonP, There is only one self righteous pronouncement of judgement on this post and its author is ClaytonP.

[ClaytonP]

ClaytonP, There is only one self righteous pronouncement of judgement on this post and its author is ClaytonP.

I see your are blind.