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Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria pay homage to Saint Catherine

November 24 is celebrated as the name's day of all women named Ekaterina, Katerina, Katya and other variants

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On November 24, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors St. Catherine (Sveta Ekaterina in Bulgarian), who was one of the most educated women of her time. She lived in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries and came from a noble family in Alexandria.

In the Egyptian city, Christians were persecuted and forced to renounce their faith. Catherine was not intimidated, however, but spoke boldly that Jesus Christ was the one true God and that pagan deities were not to be worshipped.

By order of the governor of Alexandria, the young Christian woman was captured, but it became clear that she was not going to renounce her faith. In 305 she was subjected to cruel torture. She was tied to a wheel with sharp teeth, but miraculously it broke and the martyr was finally beheaded.

Saint Catherine is a symbol of purity, wisdom and spiritual strength. She is also the patron saint of scholars, teachers, girls and mothers. 

24 November is the name day of all people called Ekaterina or its derivatives like Katerina, Katya etc. 

Learn more about how this day is marked in Bulgaria in the following publications from Radio Bulgaria's archival collection:

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Radio Bulgaria History and religion    Bulgarian Orthodox Church Saint Catherine Sveta Ekaterina

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