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

Bulgaria's oldest icon depicts St George and St Demetrius

In popular belief, St George is the younger twin brother of St Demetrius . Ethnographers describe them as Christianised images of mythical heroes - strong, agile and swift. They are victorious, leaping over mountains and seas, releasing the waters,..

published on 5/6/25 7:05 AM

The relics of St. George the Victorious are on display at the Church of St. Athanasius the Great in Gorni Lozen

"You must have strong faith and pray - then the saint will help you and carry your prayer to God," says Father Georgi Markov of the Church of St. Athanasius the Great in Gorni Lozen near Sofia. He adds that he has often witnessed the miracles of St..

published on 5/1/25 7:47 PM

The baptism of Tsar Boris I (painter Nikolai Pavlovich)

Celebrations of the 1160th anniversary of the adoption of Christianity in Bulgaria

This year, 2025, marks 1160 years since the baptism of our Bulgarian people into the Orthodox faith and 1170 years since the creation of the Bulgarian alphabet and Slavic literature. On this occasion, the Varna and Veliki Preslav Bishopric Metropolis..

published on 5/1/25 7:05 AM