Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

On August 2, Bulgarians mark Day of Saint Elijah according to old style calendar

Photo: Archive

On August 2, Bulgarians homage to Prophet St. Elijah according to the old style calendar. The day is marked on July 20 according to the new style. Prophet Elijah was one of the greatest Old Testament figures, an ardent opponent of paganism and a herald of the true faith in God. 

Many Christian churches especially in Southwestern Bulgaria are named after him. The faithful honor the saint who is the patron of thunder and lightning and protector of the harvest from fires.

St. Elijah’s Day or popularly known as Ilinden in Bulgarian is the best-loved summertime feast day in the long and sultry days of harvesting. 

St. Elijah’s day is a day celebrated by all people named Iliya, Ilian, Iliana and their derivatives – Ilka, Lina, Licho etc. 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Spasovden is among the favorite feasts of Bulgarians

On June 13, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of the Ascension, when the resurrected Christ ascends into heaven. The great Christian holiday always falls on a Thursday, forty days after the Resurrection of Christ. This is also the last day when..

published on 6/13/24 6:05 AM

Renowned Bulgarian poet Atanas Dalchev was born 120 years ago today

One of the most renowned Bulgarian poets, Atanas Dalchev, was born on June 12, 1904, in Thessaloniki, in a wealthy family living near the White Tower. His father, Hristo Dalchev, was among the most prominent Bulgarian citizens in Thessaloniki. He was a..

published on 6/12/24 10:25 AM

For the fifth time Bulgaria elects representatives to the European Parliament

Bulgaria has been a member of the EU since 1 January 2007. However, Bulgaria had representatives in the European Parliament before its official membership. In 2005, the National Assembly elected 18 Bulgarian MPs who had the status of Euro observers...

published on 6/9/24 8:00 AM