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

Christians mark Day of St. Sylvester

Photo: library

On January 2, Christians pay honor to Saint Sylvester - Pope of Rome, who officially baptized Emperor Constantine I the Great.

According to popular beliefs, Saint Sylvester is considered the patron saint of animals. In Bulgaria the holiday is also called Karamanovden, Silvestri, Silvestrovden. In folk traditions the day is associated with paying respect to cattle - cows, oxen, etc.

On this day, people clean the barns and dump the manure that hasn't been thrown away since Christmas. On the night before the holiday young men who were carolers on Christmas Eve are once again divided into groups - this time to visit and bless the homes of farmers who have cattle.

On this day, people named Sylvester, Silvia, Silvana, Seraphim, Goran, and Goritsa also celebrate.




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

Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria mark the Dormition of St. John of Rila

Orthodox Christians mark the Dormition of St. John of Rila, who is considered the heavenly protector of the Bulgarian people. The saint was born in the village of Skrino in the Osogovo Mountain in the second half of the 9th..

published on 8/18/24 11:21 AM

Reconstruction of a Roman military camp near Apriltsi

A reconstruction of a Roman battle camp is being organized in the municipality of Apriltsi from August 16 to 18 . The event in the park of the "Novo Selo" district is mainly aimed at children and family audiences.  On Mount Ostrets near Apriltsi there..

published on 8/16/24 5:15 AM

The Assumption of the Theotokos glorifies the immense love of the Mother of God

They call the Holy Virgin Mother of true Life, who saves human souls from death with her prayers. She is the most loved and the most glorified after God, to whom everyone turns. The Orthodox Church honors her on August 15, the day of her..

published on 8/15/24 6:10 AM