On November 8, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honours the Seven Archangels - these are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salathiel, Yehudiil, and Barachiel, the heavenly warriors of light and justice. In Bulgarian beliefs, the eldest of all angels - Archangel Michael, stands closest to God. He is the main guardian of Paradise and a zealous advocate of God's law. When the last hour of the earthly journey of the soul comes, the Archangel Michael himself descends to separate it from the body.
In some icons, the Heavenly Warrior holds scales in his hands to measure the sins of men. Family and family sacrifices are also made in his honour, with prayers for health and protection from the heavenly army.
Archangel Michael's Day is also a professional holiday for police officers. It was first celebrated in 1924, and the tradition was interrupted from 1944 to 1994.
November 8 is also celebrated as the name’s day of persons bearing the names of: Angel, Angela, Archangel, Gabriel, Gavrail, Mila, Milen, Milena, Mihail, Mihael, Mihaela, Ognyan, Plamen, Plamena, Rada, Radka, Radoslav, Raiko, Raina, Rangel, Raya and their derivatives.
The first modern Christmas was celebrated in Bulgaria in 1879. It followed a European model with a Christmas tree, ice skating and gifts. At that time, the young Alexander Battenberg, who had just become the Prince of Bulgaria, took it upon..
Today, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church commemorates St. Naum of Ohrid. Naum was a medieval Bulgarian scholar and writer. He was born around 830 and died on December 23, 910. He was of noble origin but he left everything and followed the Slavic..
With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Arsenii of Sliven, a copy of the miraculous Athonite icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "She Who is Quick to Hear" was welcomed at the Saint George the Victorious Monastery in Pomorie. The Bulgarian..
The first modern Christmas was celebrated in Bulgaria in 1879. It followed a European model with a Christmas tree, ice skating and gifts. At that..
Today, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church commemorates St. Naum of Ohrid. Naum was a medieval Bulgarian scholar and writer. He was born around 830 and..
In anticipation of the Nativity of Christ, the Orthodox Church opens its doors for today's divine services, heralding the fulfillment of the mystery of..
+359 2 9336 661