Share

Text size

Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Saint Ivan Rilski is declared the heavenly patron of Bulgarians

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church marks the feast of Saint Ivan Rilski

published on 8/18/23 1:39 PM

Photo: BGNES

On August 18, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church venerates the feast day of Saint Ivan Rilski (John of Rila) - one of the greatest figures of the Middle Ages who influenced the entire Eastern Orthodox world.

He was born around 876 in the village of Skrino in the Osogovo Mountains. He lived during the time of Bulgarian Knyaz Boris and Tsars Simeon and Peter. He adopted monasticism early and lives as a hermit in various places in Western Bulgaria.

Finally, he settled in the Rila Mountain and founded the Rila Monastery. In 980 he was canonized.

The saint has been declared the outstanding heavenly patron of the Bulgarian people and their intercessor before God, as well as the most popular Bulgarian folk saint and healer.

Many churches and monasteries in the country bear the name of the saint.

On August 18, the day of his assumption in 946, many people flock to Rila Monasery and Ruen Monastery to pay homage to the saint.

Read also:

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Radio Bulgaria History and religion Bulgarian Orthodox Church hermit Ivan Rilski John of Rila monasticism Rila Rila Monastery saint Saint Ivan Rilski

More from category

Religious education in schools is not indoctrination, says Patriarch Daniil

The introduction of the subject "Virtues and Religions" in schools is not aimed at indoctrinating children, but at informing and educating them. Faith is something personal, Patriarch Daniil said in an interview for public service TV BNT. “Faith is..

published on 4/30/25 10:11 AM

In Bright Week we glorify the Holy Apostles and the Virgin Mary

On the second day after Easter begins Bright Week. It is so called because of the light that Christ's Resurrection brings to the world. According to Orthodox tradition, it is a time when the Holy Apostles and the Virgin Mary are glorified. Bright Week..

published on 4/21/25 10:36 AM

Pascal evening liturgy for the Second Resurrection will be held in Sofia's Saint Nedelya church

Patriarch Daniil celebrated a divine service for the so-called Second Resurrection of Christ in the Sofia-based church of Saint Nedelya. Patriarch Daniil greets Bulgarians with “Christ is Risen” At the festive liturgy, texts from the Gospel..

published on 4/20/25 3:49 PM

1
..
3
4
5
6
7
..
10

WEATHER

Pick city: Sofía

Partly Cloudy
Min: 9 | Max: 27

BULGARIA IN PICTURES

Which world-famous Bulgarian artist designed QSL cards for Radio Bulgaria?

MOST VIEWED

Hristo Botev's personal notebook testifies to the last year of his life

On June 2, we bow to Hristo Botev - a zealous supporter of the freedom of Bulgaria, a poet and a publicist. At exactly 12:00, a..

published on 6/2/25 8:00 AM

shopify analytics ecommerce
tracking