Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Orthodox church honors the memory of St. Charalampos

The saint is also considered protector of beekeepers

Photo: library

On February 10, Christians in Bulgaria honor martyr St. Charalampos of Magnesia. In the Bulgarian tradition, this is one of the last winter holidays. From that day on, people started working on their land again together with the withdrawal of winter.

St. Charalampos lived in the 2nd century in Magnesia, Asia Minor, in an era of terrible persecution against Christians. He was very righteous and even during his lifetime he showed his holiness by spreading the word of God. He was over 100 years old when cruel Roman emperor Septimius Severus subjected him to torture to renounce Christ and tortured him for nearly 13 years. Charalampos remained firm and his faith was healing all his wounds.

Perhaps, because of his miraculous healing people venerate St. Charalampos, giving him the role of healer and guardian of health. In folk traditions the saint protects against plague, so he is often depicted holding it in a jar. Because of this power, the saint is also considered the patron saint of honey and beekeepers, who celebrate their professional holiday on February 10.

Compiled by: Gergana Mancheva

English publication: Al. Markov



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

Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov in The Olduvai Gorge in Tanzaniaл

Bulgarian expedition to explore the "dawn of humanity" in Africa

A group of Bulgarian scientists is leaving today for the Republic of South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe . On the initiative of the Explorers Club Bulgaria, the researchers will research into the origins of Homo sapiens in these places.  The..

published on 12/5/24 8:55 AM
Icon to Saint Varvara

Bulgarians mark the feast of Saint Varvara also known as Women's Christmas

Today, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors the holy great martyr Varvara - a maiden from a noble family, beheaded for her Christian faith at the beginning of the 4th century.  The day is also called Women's Christmas . This name comes from..

published on 12/4/24 6:05 AM

We pay homage to Saint Andrew considered the patron saint of the ancient Bulgarians

On November 30, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Apostle Andrew . In Bulgaria the saint is known as Saint Andrey and the folk holiday as Andreevden . Saint Andrew’s Day gives the start to the series of winter holidays..

published on 11/30/24 6:05 AM