Metropolitan Arseniy of Sliven has spoken out against the nestinari (fire dancers), prohibiting them from using icons during their rituals. This announcement was made on the Sliven Metropolis's official website and Facebook page.
In his statement, the bishop said that this custom was not original, describing it as plagiarism and imitation of pagan cults from ancient Greece and the Orient.
Nestinarstvo, a folk tradition honouring Saints Constantine and Helena, has strong roots in the Strandzha Mountains, where the celebration is called Kostadinovden. A key element of the ritual is dancing barefoot on burning embers. Both men and women can become nestinari, although women are required to be beyond childbearing age.
Nestinarstvo is also part of Bulgaria's cultural identity and is recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
In 2025, the Catholic and Orthodox churches celebrate Easter on April 20. It is more joyful when we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ together. This is what Father Stefan from the Orthodox Church "St. Nicholas" and parish priest Father Walter..
On Good Friday, the Church recalls the great sufferings of Jesus Christ, who accepted by His own will to be judged, scourged, spat upon, humiliated, slapped, and shown to the people in a purple robe, with a crown of thorns on His head. With the..
On that day the Saviour hosted the traditional Passover meal for the Jewish people at the home of a Jerusalemite. Before the meal, as a sign of respect, He washed the apostles' feet and said, "I did not come to be served, but to serve". At the table,..
An international scientific conference will be held in Sofia from 21 to 24 May, the days preceding the celebration of Saints Cyril and Methodius, announced..
sunshine, cloud, rain and thunder
Overcast, rain