Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Orthodox Christians honor the memory of deceased relatives

Photo: BTA

On Saturday before Mesni Zagovezni or Meat Shrovetide Orthodox Bulgarians commemorate the dead. It is one of the three All Souls' Day that Orthodox Christians mark each year.

The very name "Zadushnitsa" means a day for commemorating the souls of the departed and it is always on a Saturday designated by the church to honor the dead.

After the commemoration, relatives of the deceased make gifts with the words: "May God forgive." The bell tolls mournfully, with a measured stroke. On the day before, the relatives of the deceased visit the grave, clean it, then pour wine over it and burn incense. The next day, during the liturgy, the Gospel reading recalls the picture of the Last Judgment.



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 Bulgarian Cathedral Church

Bulgarians in Berlin celebrate the feast of St. Anthony the Great with special solemnity

On January 17, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Anthony the Great – a zealous advocate of Christianity. At an advanced age, he took part in the Church's struggle against the Arian heresy. Anthony got into an open dispute with the..

published on 1/17/25 5:30 AM

Bulgarian Orthodox Church and BNR join forces to provide spiritual support to compatriots abroad

His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe and BNR Director General Milen Mitev signed a Memorandum of Cooperation at the headquarters of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church Diocese of Western and Central Europe in the German capital,..

published on 1/16/25 7:40 PM

"Through the Doors of Time" – 190 years of innovative spirit inspiring the students of the Aprilov National High School

The Aprilov National High School in the beautiful Bulgarian town of Gabrovo nestled in the foot of the Balkan Range celebrates its 190th anniversary in 2025. Following in the traditions of the Gabrovo Mutual School – the first secular school in..

published on 1/13/25 4:35 PM