On September 8, when the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Nativity of the Holy Theotokos), we take a look at the beautiful valley of Gabrovnitsa River and the Monastery of the Holy Theotokos, better known as the “Seven Thrones” Monastery. Today, thousands of pilgrims visit this holy site to pray to the Mother of God. The Nativity of the Holy Theotokos is one of the three major feasts dedicated to the Mother of God and one of the twelve biggest Christian holidays. On this day, church services are held in churches and monasteries across the country.
Pilgrims arrive in the “Seven Thrones” Monastery on the eve of the Nativity of the Holy Theotokos to attend a midnight vigil and pray to the Mother of God to heal them and ease their sufferings. You can learn more details about the monastery and its history in Radio Bulgaria’s article: The Monastery of the Holy Theotokos “Virgin Mary”.
Compiled by: Darina Grigorova
English version: Kostadin Atanasov
On November 15, the second longest fasting in the Bulgarian Orthodox tradition begins, which is preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. It is believed that, although it lasts 40 days, the Christ's Nativity fast is not as..
After the Russo-Turkish war of 1878, with the Treaty of Berlin, the Bulgarian ethnic land was divided. Northern Dobrudja was handed over to Romania, and Nis and Pirot regions - to Serbia. The Principality of Bulgaria, a vassal of the Ottoman Empire,..
The biggest holiday for Muslims, which marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, is Eid al-Adha. It begins in the evening hours of the day of Arife (June 27), when Muslims pay respect to their deceased relatives..
Partly cloudy, chance of rain
Thunderstorms 
Occasional showers
Partly cloudy, chance of snow
Rain / Snow
Overcast, rain
Rain
sunshine, cloud, rain and thunder