The national pilgrimage marking the return of the relics of St. John of Rila from the town of Veliko Tarnovo to the Rila Monastery has begun.
The route connecting the old Bulgarian capital and the Rila Monastery is 700 kilometers long and crosses 70 churches and monasteries. The pilgrimage will end on August 6.
On October 19, 1238 the relics of St John of Rila were solemnly transferred to the new capital, Tarnovo, and put in a church dedicated to the saint. In the year 1469, Saint John's relics were translated to the Rila monastery where they rest to the present day.
In today’s world, where material values overshadow the spiritual, reflections on the salvation of souls somehow remain in the background. The constant race against time and the stream of daily tasks muffle the voice of the soul, which struggles to..
In 1018, after half a century of struggle, the First Bulgarian Empire was conquered by Byzantium. Despite the many uprisings of the Bulgarians, the power of Constantinople lasted for nearly two centuries. In the autumn of 1185 or the..
On 19 October, Bulgarians commemorate St Ivan Rilski, also known as St John of Rila, who is considered the country’s heavenly protector. He founded the Rila Monastery, which is the largest and most influential spiritual centre in Bulgaria. Ivan..
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