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

The book was printed in Rome on May 6, 1651

370 years since the printing of the first Bulgarian book "Abagar"

Photo: Archive

Bulgaria marks 370 years since the publication of the first Bulgarian printed book - the collection of prayers "Abagar".
The book consists of five large sheets in the form of scrolls, on which short apocryphal prayers are printed . The sheets are 44.5 cm wide and 33.5 cm high. The paper is Italian, thin but rough. At the bottom the sheets are numbered with Cyrillic letters. On each sheet the text is printed in four narrow columns, each of which is surrounded by a frame of ornaments, so that if the columns are cut and arranged in sequence, one would obtain a strip about 5 meters and 80 cm long. This allowed for the collection to be shaped like a scroll and to be worn as an amulet. 
The book was printed in Rome on May 6, 1651 by the Bulgarian Catholic Bishop Philip Stanislavov
The only surviving such copy is now stored in the Library of Bologna.

You can learn more about the first Bulgarian printed book in the publication from Radio Bulgaria's Best collection entitled Bishop Philip Stanislavov and his book Abagar.




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

The Day of National Enlighteners continues to remind us of the meaning of spirituality and Bulgarian national identity

They are called the “awakeners/enlighteners” of the nations because they awaken the Bulgarian spirit and the sense of national pride. They kindle the spark of self-awareness and community belonging, instil faith, drive away discouragement in order to..

published on 11/1/22 10:18 AM

Celebrating the Day of St. Petka of Bulgaria

Saint Petka was born in the XI century in the town of Epibat, on the Sea of Marmara, not far from Constantinople, in a rich Bulgarian family, we learn from the saint's biography. She led a pious life, following Christ's command of love and mercy to..

published on 10/14/22 5:35 AM

The Independence Anthem of 1908

Today we recall the Independence Anthem, created on the very day Bulgaria's independence was solemnly announced in Veliko Tarnovo. The whole country is celebrating, and in our Black Sea city Burgas, this marching song is being played for the first time...

published on 9/22/22 9:05 AM