The Saint of Bailovo: The Beggar Who Gave Everything Away

In a quiet village nestled in the hills of Bulgaria, a man lived so humbly that most would pass him by without a second glance. His name was Dobri Dobrev, but to those who knew his story, he was simply “The Saint of Bailovo.”

Born in 1914, Dobri’s life was marked by hardship from the very beginning. His father died in World War I, leaving his mother to raise him and his siblings alone. As a child, Dobri worked the fields, enduring poverty and loss. Later, during World War II, a bomb explosion robbed him of most of his hearing. Yet through all this, he never grew bitter. Instead, he grew kinder.

In his later years, Dobri made a radical choice: he gave up all material possessions and dedicated his life to serving others. Every day, dressed in homemade clothes and worn leather shoes, he walked over 20 kilometers from Bailovo to Sofia. There, he stood outside churches—not to beg for himself, but to collect donations for orphanages, monasteries, and churches in need of restoration.

What made Dobri extraordinary wasn’t just his sacrifice—it was his unwavering spirit. He lived on a modest state pension of 80 euros a month, yet he donated over 80,000 Bulgarian lev (around 40,000 euros) throughout his lifetime. He gave everything away, never keeping a single coin for himself.

People who met him often described a sense of peace and warmth in his presence. He spoke gently about faith, love, and the importance of giving. Whether someone donated or not, he offered a smile and a blessing. His long white beard and shepherd-like appearance became iconic—a symbol of purity in a world often obsessed with wealth and status.

Dobri’s legacy is not just in the money he gave, but in the lives he touched. He reminded us that true wealth lies not in what we accumulate, but in what we give. In a time when generosity often comes with strings attached, Dobri gave freely, quietly, and with profound grace.

He passed away in 2018 at the age of 103, leaving behind no fortune, no possessions—only a story that continues to inspire. The Saint of Bailovo may have lived simply, but his impact was immeasurable.