Share

Text size

Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Saint Ivan Rilski is declared the heavenly patron of Bulgarians

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church marks the feast of Saint Ivan Rilski

published on 8/18/23 1:39 PM

Photo: BGNES

On August 18, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church venerates the feast day of Saint Ivan Rilski (John of Rila) - one of the greatest figures of the Middle Ages who influenced the entire Eastern Orthodox world.

He was born around 876 in the village of Skrino in the Osogovo Mountains. He lived during the time of Bulgarian Knyaz Boris and Tsars Simeon and Peter. He adopted monasticism early and lives as a hermit in various places in Western Bulgaria.

Finally, he settled in the Rila Mountain and founded the Rila Monastery. In 980 he was canonized.

The saint has been declared the outstanding heavenly patron of the Bulgarian people and their intercessor before God, as well as the most popular Bulgarian folk saint and healer.

Many churches and monasteries in the country bear the name of the saint.

On August 18, the day of his assumption in 946, many people flock to Rila Monasery and Ruen Monastery to pay homage to the saint.

Read also:

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Radio Bulgaria History and religion Bulgarian Orthodox Church hermit Ivan Rilski John of Rila monasticism Rila Rila Monastery saint Saint Ivan Rilski

More from category

During Holy Week we remember the last days of the Saviour's life on earth

For the Orthodox Church, the 29th of April marks the beginning of Holy Week - a profound period dedicated to the contemplation of the life of the Saviour and the preparation for the Holy Resurrection. Immediately after the great Christian feast of..

published on 4/29/24 5:55 AM

What do we celebrate on Palm Sunday and what are God's visits in our lives?

"Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (Luke 19:38). With these enthusiastic exclamations, which the Church recalls on the feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, Jesus Christ was..

published on 4/28/24 5:05 AM

Iconographer Ekaterina Titova: "Bulgaria is wonderful! Love it and cherish it!

The tangents between biology and ecclesiastical icon-painting are unknown and incomprehensible to those who are devoted to science. For Ekaterina Titova, a doctor of biological sciences accustomed to approaching everything through logic, religious..

published on 4/27/24 7:15 AM

1
2
3
4
5
6
..
10

WEATHER

Pick city: Sofía

Partly cloudy, chance of rain
Min: 10 | Max: 17

BULGARIA IN PICTURES

Which world-famous Bulgarian artist designed QSL cards for Radio Bulgaria?

MOST VIEWED

During Holy Week we remember the last days of the Saviour's life on earth

For the Orthodox Church, the 29th of April marks the beginning of Holy Week - a profound period dedicated to the contemplation of the life of the Saviour..

published on 4/29/24 5:55 AM

shopify analytics ecommerce
tracking