Orthodox Christians mark the Dormition of St. John of Rila, who is considered the heavenly protector of the Bulgarian people.
The saint was born in the village of Skrino in the Osogovo Mountain in the second half of the 9th century, when Christianity took root among the Bulgarian people. He spent his life in seclusion, fasting and prayer in various places but mostly in Rila Mountain.
In the monastery founded by him, he left a written testament with valuable advice to his followers. He was buried in the mountain next to the place of his seclusion and later his body was found to be incorruptible and placed in the Rila Monastery, where it is kept to this day.
On the third day of Christmas, December 27, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church commemorates the memory of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. His name means "crown" or "wreath" and comes from the Greek "στέφανος" (stéphanos). It symbolizes victory..
At sunset on December 25, the Jewish community begins to celebrate Hanukkah. The holiday begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar and, depending on the year, can fall in November or December. By lighting 9..
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas with solemn services. The festive services began on Christmas Eve, when the church held a solemn vigil. Hundreds of laypeople gathered at the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, where..
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