Neofit Rilski, also known as Neophyte of Rila, was a prominent figure of the Bulgarian National Revival in the 19th century. Born in Bansko, he was educated to become a teacher and studied iconography at the Rila Monastery. He furthered his education in Melnik and worked as a teacher in various places, including the Rila Monastery and Gabrovo. In 1835, he published the first grammar book of modern Bulgarian language, called Bolgarska gramatika. He also made the first popular translation of the New Testament in modern Bulgarian language. Rilski considered Old Church Slavonic synonymous with Old Bulgarian and aimed to unify Western and Eastern Bulgarian dialects. He spent the later part of his life in the Rila Monastery and died there on January 4, 1881.

Neofit Rilski - Wikipedia