Summary: The article traces the history of one of the largest charitable initiatives in Bulgaria in the first half of the 20th century – the home for lonely elderly people “Joy to All Who Sorrow” in Sofia. The personality and fate of the donor Yordanka Filaretova, the donation itself and the activity of the organization that implements the covenant are presented; the closing of the social institution in the early 50s. Along with what has been achieved, the text also reveals the contradictory development of the society/committee/foundation, the interweaving in its activities of charity, noble thoughts, civic consciousness with self-interest, disinterestedness, personal ambitions and material interests. The half-century existence of the Home and the organization reflect, as in a mirror, the advantages and disadvantages characteristic of public charity in Bulgaria; the actions/inaction and attitude of the state and local authorities to such kind of appearances; the role of the subjective human factor.
Keywords: Yordanka Filaretova, home for lonely elderly people, charity
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