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

Orthodox church honors the memory of St. Charalampos

The saint is also considered protector of beekeepers

Photo: library

On February 10, Christians in Bulgaria honor martyr St. Charalampos of Magnesia. In the Bulgarian tradition, this is one of the last winter holidays. From that day on, people started working on their land again together with the withdrawal of winter.

St. Charalampos lived in the 2nd century in Magnesia, Asia Minor, in an era of terrible persecution against Christians. He was very righteous and even during his lifetime he showed his holiness by spreading the word of God. He was over 100 years old when cruel Roman emperor Septimius Severus subjected him to torture to renounce Christ and tortured him for nearly 13 years. Charalampos remained firm and his faith was healing all his wounds.

Perhaps, because of his miraculous healing people venerate St. Charalampos, giving him the role of healer and guardian of health. In folk traditions the saint protects against plague, so he is often depicted holding it in a jar. Because of this power, the saint is also considered the patron saint of honey and beekeepers, who celebrate their professional holiday on February 10.

Compiled by: Gergana Mancheva

English publication: Al. Markov



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

Unique ancient Thracian temple in Plovdiv can be completely restored

A Thracian temple from the 3rd century BC, unparalleled in Bulgaria, can turn 10 acres of Plovdiv's South region into an archaeological park. The site is located at the base of the Great Mound, which a team of the Plovdiv-based Regional Archaeological..

published on 8/23/24 11:45 AM

Secrets of Sofia: The fate of Naum Torbov - architect of the capital's Central Market Halls

After the Liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule, architects from Europe flocked to Sofia, which became the new Bulgarian capital city in 1879, to give it a modern look and functionality. In the end of the 19 th century the first..

published on 8/21/24 2:15 PM
Patriarch Daniil

Patriarch Daniil congratulates Metrpolitan Onufriy of Kyiv on the 10th anniversary of his enthronement

Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria sent a letter to Metropolitan Onufriy of Kyiv and All Ukraine (Moscow Patriarchate), the Bulgarian Patriarchate reported. The message reads: "Your Beatitude, on this date exactly 10 years ago, your solemn enthronement as..

published on 8/20/24 9:31 AM