A fresco from Rila Monastery
Снимка: wikipedia.org
The holy relics of St. Ivan Rilski (Saint John of Rila) are kept in the Rila Monastery, named after the mountain where it is situated. The name of the saint is related to a number of miracles. He was born in 876 and lived during the time of Bulgarian rulers Knyaz Boris I, Tsar Simeon the Great and Tsar Peter. His only goal was to dedicate his life to serving God and that is why he became a hermit in the Rila Mountain. At that time people already knew him thanks to his pious deeds and they were often visiting him to ask for advice and support. He told people that greediness was among the greatest sins that divert man from God.
© Photo: wikipedia.org
Rila Monastery
When Tsar Petar himself came to see the monk bringing him fruit and gold Ivan Rilski did not let him too close and returned the gold keeping just the fruit. Then the monk wrote a letter to the ruler and explained why he did not meet him. He also gave him the following piece of advice: “The one who wants to be first among all must be a servant of all.”
© Photo: wikipedia.org
The cave where Ivan Rilski initially lived as a hermit
© Photo: pravoslavieto.com
The relics of the Saint
The Rila Monastery is the most popular one in Bulgaria. A number of foreigners also visit this place in the heart of the mountain. Near the monastery where the saint lived people continue to leave prayers written on pieces of paper. Believers say Saint Ivan Rilski continues to help everyone who has looked for his support.
English versio: Alexander Markov
По публикацията работи: Darina Grigorova
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