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

Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria pay homage to Saint Catherine

November 24 is celebrated as the name's day of all women named Ekaterina, Katerina, Katya and other variants

2
Photo: Archive

On November 24, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors St. Catherine (Sveta Ekaterina in Bulgarian), who was one of the most educated women of her time. She lived in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries and came from a noble family in Alexandria.

In the Egyptian city, Christians were persecuted and forced to renounce their faith. Catherine was not intimidated, however, but spoke boldly that Jesus Christ was the one true God and that pagan deities were not to be worshipped.

By order of the governor of Alexandria, the young Christian woman was captured, but it became clear that she was not going to renounce her faith. In 305 she was subjected to cruel torture. She was tied to a wheel with sharp teeth, but miraculously it broke and the martyr was finally beheaded.

Saint Catherine is a symbol of purity, wisdom and spiritual strength. She is also the patron saint of scholars, teachers, girls and mothers. 

24 November is the name day of all people called Ekaterina or its derivatives like Katerina, Katya etc. 

Learn more about how this day is marked in Bulgaria in the following publications from Radio Bulgaria's archival collection:


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.

Gallery

More from category

Orthodox Christians mark the Dormition of St. Naum of Ohrid

Today, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church commemorates St. Naum of Ohrid. Naum was a medieval Bulgarian scholar and writer. He was born around 830 and died on December 23, 910. He was of noble origin but he left everything and followed the Slavic..

published on 12/23/24 6:10 AM

A copy of the miraculous icon of the Holy Theotokos arrived at the Saint George the Victorious Monastery in Pomorie

With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Arsenii of Sliven, a copy of the miraculous Athonite icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "She Who is Quick to Hear" was welcomed at the Saint George the Victorious Monastery in Pomorie. The Bulgarian..

published on 12/18/24 9:45 AM
Vasil Drumev - Metropolitan of Tarnovo

Metropolitan Kliment of Tarnovo – ​​in the service of God and the Fatherland

In the secular chronicles of post-liberation Bulgaria, Metropolitan Kliment of Tarnovo is known as Vasil Drumev – a notable writer and public figure, he led an exceptionally spiritual, Christian life. For linguists, he is among the brightest zealots of..

published on 12/10/24 11:49 AM