Podkrepa is a Bulgarian and Macedonian cultural/social organization in Portland, OR
Learn moreDonations help us continue to provide educational and cultural activities that support our community.
We offer a variety of literature, dance, and other cultural programs for all ages.
Learn moreDoors open 6:30 PM, Potluck
Music starts 7:30 PM
Suggested donation: $20 for individuals, $50 per family
Dragi Spasovski - vocal, Osem i Devet - Michael Lawson - accordion and vocal, David Bilides - tapan
This concert is a fundraiser for the Macedonia Schools Project. The Macedonia Schools Project is a non-profit organization with the goal of assisting the children and teachers in Macedonian schools. In coordination with schools, the MSP has provided a large variety of school supplies, educational materials and most importantly friendship. The MSP works directly with the schools, teachers and administrators through board members who live in or have roots in Macedonia. It sponsors a competitive grant program from donations made by supporters.
Music by Chubritza & Taman
Donations appreciated, everyone welcome!
For more information and pictures of our events, visit our facebook page!
Podkrepa began in 1939 in the home of Radi & Petia Cherkezov as a social gathering for Bulgarians and Macedonians new to the United States. Following the suggestion of Bishop Andrei, of Sofia, Bulgaria, on his visit to Portland, Podkrepa was registered with the State of Oregon as a fraternal organization.
Within a year, the social organization grew from 25 to 93 official members (at that time, only men were listed as members but, counting women and children, total membership was roughly 250). Because of their size, the group started looking for a lot to build a community building on.
They chose Podkrepa’s current location because many members lived nearby. In 1946, the first round of pledges to raise money for the land brought in $3,750. The lot was then purchased in 1950 and construction began. In 1952 the second round of funding collected $2,531 to build the building. Members and local businesses in the area, that were supported by the members, donated to Podkrepa. The members did as much as of the work as possible to help to keep costs down.
On June 8, 1952 the current meeting hall on Killingsworth was dedicated with Rev Nicholas Levko, Pastor of Russian Orthodox church officiating.
1950s the group decided to meet twice a month, once for business and the other purely social. Later, they opted for monthly meetings and a variety of special events. Podkrepa has grown, throughout the years, to include events like annual fundraising teas, holiday bazaars, folk dancing, concerts, holiday celebrations, other celebrations, frequent socials, and regular meetings. That format has continued to the present day.
In 2011 Podkrepa officially became a non-profit charitable organization in the State of Oregon.
Object and Purpose of Podkrepa Association: The purpose of association is to unite all Bulgarians and/or Macedonians, and their descendants, in the Portland Metro area. We provide education and cultural activities that support the above-mentioned persons and strive to educate the general public about this community. This organization is non-political and non-religous in character, and no discussion of political candidates shall occur in open meetings.
We also welcome anyone of any descent who is actively interested in Bulgarian or Macedonian culture, language or history to join us here at Podkrepa. Please contact us if you're interested in joining, we'd love to meet you.
Members: 80+ as of January 2016
Board Members:
Requirements for Membership:
Any Bulgarian/Macedonian, their descendants or spouses, or persons interested in supporting the promotion of Bulgarian and Macedonian culture may apply for membership in this association. The application form and membership dues may be submitted to any member of the association. The Secretary will give the Board of Directors' recommendation for acceptance prior to the vote for membership approval at an open meeting.
Join Us:
Meetings are usually the 3rd Saturday of the month at 4:00 pm at Podkrepa.
Annual dues are $60 per individual as of January 21, 2015.
Forms:
Every Sunday from 11:00am to 2:00pm the program offers kids a chance to learn or improve their ability to read, write, and speak Bulgarian. This class includes a mixture of reading, writing, history, and Bulgarian folk dances.
Our teachers are highly skilled and great with the kids!
Visit our Bulgarche Facebook page for photos and more information!
A monthly gathering to read and discuss Bulgarian literature. We get together to share our love for poetry, prose, and critical thinking. We also enjoy a delicious potluck and our time together never feels long enough!
Everyone is welcome!
Rosna Kitka is a group of people with a mutual love for traditional Bulgarian folk music and dance. We’re always happy to welcome new people, learn new dances, and dance to our favorite tunes. We listen and dance to Bulgarian, Macedonian, and other balkan music. While dancing is a part of the evening, you don't have to participate and can instead socialize, listen, and watch. This event includes a potluck and has a $5 suggested donation. All donations go towards the operations of the club.
No dancing experience necessary.
This group meets every 4th friday of the month from 7:00pm-9:00pm.
Sundays from 2:00pm-3:00pm we hold language classes for adults who wish to learn Bulgarian. All skill levels are welcome, no previous expereince is required.
The Macedonia School Project is a non-profit tax exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization established to assist schools in southwest Macedonia. Visit www.makschools.info or the Facebook page for photos and more information!
Visit us: 2116 N Killingsworth St. Portland, OR 97217
Email us: podkrepapdx@gmail.com
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