Vera Kochovska
In an archival television still, Vera Kochovska raises a hand as she speaks, with icons covering the wall behind her. Viewers remember a familiar face from Pleven. Visitors remember the woman they approached with worries, questions and hopes. One of Bulgaria’s best-known clairvoyants, Kochovska began life far from television, in an orphanage.
- Born
- 27 July 1945, Pernik
- Associated with
- Pleven
- Died
- 11 February 2011
Childhood in Kocherinovo
She was born on 27 July 1945 in Pernik. Her father died early, and she entered an orphanage in Kocherinovo. Biographical accounts place a difficult childhood and a later injury before the emergence of the abilities attributed to her.
By the time her name became widely known, she was associated with Pleven. People travelled to her home from across Bulgaria. She later hoped to establish a clinic in the city, an ambition discussed by the then mayor, Nayden Zelenogorski, with BTA after her death.
The face on Vsyaka Nedelya
Stills from Vsyaka Nedelya show Kochovska speaking from Pleven with Kevork Kevorkian in Sofia. In one she has a hand raised; in another she listens. The archive preserves her gestures and expressions during an actual conversation.
BNT also has a programme called The Unfamiliar Vera Kochovska, featuring Hristo Nanev. It offers a longer introduction through the recollections of someone who has studied her life.
Source: Kevork Kevorkian: Vera Kochovska on Vsyaka Nedelya · BNT: The Unfamiliar Vera Kochovska
A dedication you can listen to
In 2006, Theodosii Spassov dedicated Vyara to her. The project brought folk music and jazz together, adding a musical tribute to the many spoken accounts of Kochovska. BNR reported its return to the stage in 2019.
Pleven says farewell
Kochovska died on 11 February 2011, aged 65. Relatives and former visitors attended the visitation at St Nicholas Church. Artist Svetlin Rusev was among those interviewed in BNT’s report.
Their recollections return to encounters in her home and help explain why her name remains familiar in Pleven. Accounts of predictions and healing are presented here as the testimony of the people who tell them.
Source: BNT: farewell to Vera Kochovska
Recordings, photographs and reading
- VideoThe Unfamiliar Vera Kochovska, BNT, 11 February 2022
Hristo Nanev talks to Stoycho Kerev. This is a discussion about Kochovska, not an interview with her.
- PhotographsStills from Vsyaka Nedelya
- Radio archiveTeodosii Spassov on the album Faith, BNR, 23 April 2019
Sources and further reading
- Darik: obituary of Vera Kochovska
12 February 2011; biographical information.
- BNT: farewell to Vera Kochovska
Nikodim Danevski, 15 February 2011; reporting and personal testimony.
- BNT: The Unfamiliar Vera Kochovska
11 February 2022; programme with Hristo Nanev.
- BNR: Theodosii Spassov revives Vyara
23 April 2019; the musical dedication.
- Kevork Kevorkian: Vera Kochovska on Vsyaka Nedelya
The original gallery of television stills.
Painted portrait
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