Podcast in English
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

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!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Father Stefan (L) and Father Walter Gorra (R)

Catholic and Orthodox Priests: It is more joyful when we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ together

In 2025, the Catholic and Orthodox churches celebrate Easter on April 20. It is more joyful when we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ together. This is what Father Stefan from the Orthodox Church "St. Nicholas" and parish priest Father Walter..

published on 4/18/25 10:06 AM

Good Friday recalls the atoning sufferings of Christ

On Good Friday, the Church recalls the great sufferings of Jesus Christ, who accepted by His own will to be judged, scourged, spat upon, humiliated, slapped, and shown to the people in a purple robe, with a crown of thorns on His head. With the..

published on 4/18/25 6:05 AM

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