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

Celebrating the Day of St. Petka of Bulgaria

On October 14 we commemorate one of the most beloved saints in the Orthodox world

Photo: BGNES

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 those in need, and after her death her holy relics became a symbol of the struggle to preserve Christianity from the assimilation of Islam. In 1238 Bulgarian tsar Ivan Asen II carried the relics of the saint to Tarnovgrad (today Veliko Tarnovo - ed.), where they were preserved for nearly two centuries until the Ottoman conquest of the old Bulgarian capital. After two centuries of wandering, in 1641 the remains of St. Petka were laid to rest in the Metropolitan Cathedral in Iasi, northern Romania, where they continue to attract pilgrims from all over the world to this day.

Countless tales and legends tell about the miraculous healing powers of St. Petka, who is regarded as the patron saint of childbirth and fertility of both humans and animals. According to the folklore calendar Petkovden (St Petka's Day) is considered the end autumn, and it also of marks the end of the agricultural year.

Ritual breads and kurban soup are prepared on this day. The largest bread is kneaded in honour of the saint.

The only cave chapel in Bulgaria dedicated to St. Petka is located near the town of Trun.


Every year on October 14, local women bake special traditional bread, which is then brought to the cave where, according to folk belief, the saint lived. In the cave there is a large stone in the shape of a round loaf of bread. The priest blesses the bread brought to the shrine, which is then distributed for the health of all present.

The water that seeps through the rocks in the cave chapel is collected in special bowls because, according to the worshippers, it helps heal illnesses.


There are many shrines located in some of the most beautiful and mystical spots of Bulgaria dedicated to St. Petka of Bulgaria. And the most famous church bearing the saint's name is in the heart of Sofia. You will learn interesting details about it from the material Saint Petka Stara church – venerable guardian of Christianity from the collection of Radio Bulgaria.


Compiled by: Veneta Nikolova

English version: Elizabeth Radkova

Photos: BGNES, tran.egov.bg


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 hottest days of the year known as "goreshtnitsi" start in Bulgaria

The  goreshtnitsi –  dog days, the hottest days of summer in Bulgaria fall on 15, 16 and 17 July. Their roots go back to pagan times and are connected with the cult of fire. The tradition of  goreshtnitsi  is observed mostly in Northern and..

published on 7/15/24 10:34 AM
Photo: Scientific Society of Bulgarians in the Republic of Moldova

Bulgarians in Moldova pay tribute to the feat of Hristo Botev and the heroes of Bulgaria

Did you know that in the Moldovan capital Chisinau there is a street named after Hristo Botev? Located about three kilometers from the city center, there stands an impressive monument to the Bulgarian poet, revolutionary and public figure, who died in..

published on 6/1/24 2:10 PM

The tradition of sending Easter cards in Bulgaria dates back to the Liberation

When we have a special occasion where we meet relatives or friends, as a sign of respect and as a memory, we usually present them with a gift, complete with a beautiful card. In the past, the card received was kept as a cherished memory and even passed..

published on 5/4/24 4:35 AM