Text size

Today is St. Stephen's Day

published on 12/27/23 6:10 AM

Photo: Archive

On 27 December, the Orthodox Church honours the memory of the first Christian martyr - St. Stephen. He was a miracle worker who, like Christ, laid his hands on the sick and they were healed. And although there are few records of his life, the saint is particularly revered in Bulgaria because the third day of Christ's birth, when his feast is celebrated, "closes" the Christmas holiday cycle in Bulgaria.

The last religious holiday of the year, Stefanovden, is celebrated according to popular tradition with meat dishes, meat pies, songs and merriment. The feast is especially abundant today in the homes of the namesakes - Stefan, Stefana, Stefka, Venko, Stoyan, Stoyko, Stoichko, Stoimen and all the names derived from them.

St. Stephen is also the patron saint of many Bulgarian churches, including the symbol of the struggle for Church independence - the Iron Church of St. Stephen in Istanbul.

The Iron Church of St. Stephen in Istanbul. Photo courtesy of BGNES

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

Radio Bulgaria History and religion Christian Orthodox Stefanovden St Stephen

More from category

Monument to Pavel Bobekov in the centre of Panagyurishte

Pavel Bobekov and the grammar of the April Uprising

Bulgaria celebrates 149 years since the April Uprising – an event that led to the liberation of Bulgaria after almost five centuries of Ottoman rule. Today, nearly a century and a half later, we must not forget that every participant in the April..

published on 5/1/25 6:25 AM

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