On November 3, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors St. Pimen Zografski. The famous icon painter and church builder was born in Sofia in 1540. His secular name was Pavel and he studied at the ancient rotunda of St. George.

After the death of his parents, he gave away his property and went to the Zograf Monastery in Mount Athos where he was a monk. When he was at the age of 55, St. George appeared to him and ordered him to return to Bulgaria as a spiritual leader. For years St. Pimen traveled across the Bulgarian lands, preached, built and renovated churches and monasteries, decorating them with murals. He also worked as a copyist and miniaturist. Until his death in 1620, he built 300 churches and 15 monasteries. The feast of the saint is also celebrated as the Day of Bulgarian Artists.