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

The signing of the Treaty of Neuilly, 1919.

104 years since the annexation of the Western Outlands

Today, 6 November, marks 104 years since the annexation of the Western Outlands in 1920. Traditionally Bulgarian territories in south-eastern Serbia and northern Macedonia were ceded to the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes in 1920 as a result of..

published on 11/5/24 6:39 PM

Bakadzhik monastery has preserved relics from the National Liberation of Bulgaria

Volunteers joined the efforts to clean and restore the monastery St. Spas near Bakadzhik peak. The campaign is being organized on 2 November by Stoimen Petrov, mayor of the nearby village of Chargan, the Bulgarian news agency BTA reports. The..

published on 11/2/24 8:30 AM

On Archangel All Souls' Day believers honour the dead and give alms

There are three special days on the calendar of the Bulgarian Orthodox church, on which believers pray to God and give alms to honour the memory of their dear departed. The three All Souls’ Days always fall on the Saturdays before Meat..

published on 11/2/24 4:30 AM