Today, the Orthodox church commemorates the prophet Elijah – an Old Testament prophet and precursor of Jesus Christ. According to the bible, he was born in Palestine and lived around 900 years before the birth of Jesus Christ.

• Day of St. Elijah – the most widely venerated saint in Bulgaria
  

In folklore tradition, St. Elijah’s day, or Ilinden is one of the most popular summertime feast days, celebrated during harvest and threshing time. Older people tell stories and sing songs about the prophet on this day, who is believed to ride a chariot of fire with six horses in the sky, asking God for health and prosperity, clement weather and fertility. According to traditional belief, the weather “turns” on this day, autumn winds begin to rise and a rip current claims human lives at sea.