Yoakim Karchovski (c. 1750 – c. 1820), also known as Hadži Joakim, was a cleric, writer and one of the early figures of the Bulgarian National Revival. In his writings, he himself identified as a Bulgarian and called his language Bulgarian. Although he died before the earliest expressions of Macedonian national identity, he is considered an ethnic Macedonian in North Macedonia. In May 2022 he was canonized by the Macedonian Orthodox Church as a saint.

Biography

Karchovski was born around 1750. birthplace is unknown, although multiple theories exist. Not much is known about his life. Karchovski was most likely educated in Constantinople. In 1787 he began working as a priest. During most of his life he served in Kriva Palanka and the surrounding villages. He also worked in Kratovo, Debar, Štip, Samokov, Melnik and Kyustendil. He had 3 children. In around 1807 Karchovski became a monk. In 1814 he became a pilgrim and teacher and in 1819 he became a hieromonk. He died around 1820.

Works

Karchovski authored 5 works printed in Buda: