Thousands of mourners gathered in Moscow today to bid farewell to Bedros Kirkorov, the beloved father of Russian pop star Philipp Kirkorov, who passed away on March 18 at the age of 92.
The farewell ceremony took place at the Church of Christ the Savior, where family, friends, and numerous celebrities came to pay their respects. Philipp was visibly emotional as he welcomed guests, including the Bulgarian Ambassador Atanas Kristin, renowned singers like Alexander Buynov and Igor Nadzhiev, and former hockey legend Vladislav Tretyak.
Fans and admirers lined up outside the church to catch a glimpse of the people who had played such an important role in the life of the musical icon. Many expressed their sorrow over the loss of a man who was not only a cherished father but also a respected public figure.
Philipp Kirkorov announced his father’s death via his Telegram channel just days before the ceremony, revealing that he had learned about it while on tour overseas. Heartbroken, he abruptly left his filming commitments to fly back to Moscow. “I arrived just in time to see him,” Philipp shared, recalling the emotional moment when he received the sad news. He reflected on how his father lived a long and honorable life and promised to carry forward his legacy.
During the ceremony, tributes flowed in from various attendees. Singer Anita Tsoi spoke tearfully about her friendship with Bedros, praising his kindness and wisdom. “He was a source of comfort and strength for many of us,” she said, recounting how he would often reach out to the elderly parents of her friends, lifting their spirits with long chats.
Alexander Buynov, another prominent musician and a close friend, described Bedros as a vibrant and amiable person. “He was such a lively individual, it's hard to grasp that he is no longer with us,” he recollected. “Even at his age, he carried an energy that drew people in.”
As the ceremony unfolded, Philipp shared a poignant memory of his father passing down a family heirloom, a ring that symbolizes their bond, and the heritage that would continue through future generations. “He told me, ‘I want you to wear it and keep it in the family,’” said Philipp, showcasing the ring to attendees as a testament to their connection.
The burial then proceeded to the Troyekurovsky Cemetery, where the remnants of his long legacy will lie. Despite being a place of mourning, it transformed into a vibrant display of love and remembrance, as fans adorned his grave with flowers and notes of admiration.
At the gravesite, Philipp emphasized that while Bedros was an artist, he was also a compassionate human being who fought for social causes, such as advocating for the preservation of the Soviet soldier-liberator monument in Bulgaria. “He dedicated his life not only to entertain but also to help others,” Philipp noted, underlining his father’s philanthropic efforts during his lifetime.
Grigory Leps, another notable figure in the music industry, expressed his heartfelt condolences by mentioning how Bedros managed to retain his distinctive voice and spirit until the very end. “He was always cheerful, even amid challenges,” Leps reflected, eliciting nods of agreement from the audience.
The farewell ceremony culminated in a minute of silence to honor Bedros Kirkorov’s profound impact. Philipp and others shared reminiscences while soft melodies of his songs reverberated through the venue, encapsulating the essence of a man who touched many lives.
As the funeral procession made its way to the cemetery, it was clear that Bedros Kirkorov would not be forgotten. His final resting place now joins the likes of other luminaries, amid a sea of flowers laid down by those who revered him. Philipp concluded the emotional day with gratitude towards everyone who came to pay their respects, hoping that his father’s memory would continue to live on in the hearts of all.
Bedros leaves behind not just a legacy of art but a testament to the transformative power of kindness and community. As the dust settles on this somber occasion, the nation remembers a beacon of talent and humanity.
