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

Prayer procession on Bright Tuesday in village of Momchilovtsi

Momchilovtsi village
Photo: Bozhidar Cholakov, BNR-Kurdzhali

On the third day after Easter, when the Orthodox Church celebrates Bright Tuesday, a prayer procession takes place in Momchilovtsi village in the Rhodopes, known by the locals as St. Letenia.  

It is unique in this part of the country and was introduced by hieromonk Gregorius from Mount Athos, who came to Momchilovtsi in 1837-38 where he founded the first monastery school. He led the local people on a procession around the monasteries and to a hill not far from the village, where they lit candles and placed them on a big rock.

In 1911 the local people raised some money, and on that same spot the Resurrection of Christ chapel was erected, also known as St. Letenia, and the procession was incorporated into the rituals performed on the third day of Easter. 



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 Kazanlak Thracian tomb was discovered 80 years ago

"Man does not know the way to heaven, but the horse does," says an ancient Thracian proverb. That is why the Thracian kings were necessarily sent to the afterlife together with their horses. Because of the numerous burial mounds of rulers from the..

published on 4/19/24 4:35 AM

New technologies recreate the Battle of Tutrakan

An innovative museum site opens its doors in the military cemetery near Tutrakan. The "Tutrakan Epopee - 1916" memorial is situated in a new museum-exhibition building. It includes a number of new technologies that immerse the visitor..

published on 4/18/24 1:15 PM

80 years since the last bombing of Sofia

The last and most destructive bombing of Sofia during World War II took place on April 17, 80 years ago. In 1944, on April 17 at noon, 350 American bombers, accompanied by Thunderbolt and Mustang fighters, dropped 2,500 bombs on..

published on 4/17/24 1:26 PM