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

Christians in Bulgaria mark Day of St. Anne - patron of motherhood

Photo: library

On December 9, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Conception by Righteous Anna of the Holy Mother of God. The holy and righteous Joachim and Anne were childless for many years, despite their righteous and modest life. In many ancient cultures this was considered a punishment from God and a sign of accumulated sins, and this brought grief to Anne and Joachim. They constantly prayed to God for a child. One day, an angel appeared to Anne and informed her that she would give birth to "a daughter most blessed, by whom all the nations of the earth will be blessed, and through whom will come the salvation of the world." Hearing these words, she made a promise that she would dedicate the girl to God. When Mary was at the age of three Sts. Joachim and Anne took her to the temple to be dedicated to the service of the Lord.


According to Bulgarian folk traditions the day is called Aninden or Anyovden and the saint is considered the patroness of pregnant women, of motherhood and children, of marriage and the family, protector of virgins, widows and pregnant women.

Lenten dishes are served on this day because the holiday is marked during the period of Nativity Lent. Everyone with the names Anna, Anka, etc. also celebrate.


We offer you the folk song "Anche le" performed by Kaicho Kamenov - one of the most famous Bulgarian folk singers from the recent past.

Photos: library, Pixabay







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

Maundy Thursday - Commemoration of the Last Supper and institution of the Eucharist

On that day the Saviour hosted the traditional Passover meal for the Jewish people at the home of a Jerusalemite. Before the meal, as a sign of respect, He washed the apostles' feet and said, "I did not come to be served, but to serve". At the table,..

published on 4/17/25 7:05 AM

100 years since the most brutal terrorist act in Bulgarian history

The attack in the "St. Nedelya" cathedral on April 16, 1925 is the deadliest terrorist act in the history of Bulgaria. It took place on Maundy Thursday and in terms of its brutality and premeditation, it has no analogue. During Holy..

published on 4/16/25 9:45 AM

Holy Wednesday makes us recall the meaning of Christian humility and repentance

On the day of Holy Wednesday, one of the last events before the saving sufferings for humanity of the Son of God is remembered. In her sincere repentance, a sinner managed to enter the house where Christ was staying and, wishing to testify to her..

published on 4/16/25 5:10 AM