Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Epiphany blessing of Bulgarian Army battle flags

Photo: BGNES - library

Today at 11.00 in front of the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in Sofia the traditional Epiphany Blessing of the battle flags of the Bulgarian Army takes place. The ritual will be attended by the Minister of Defense Krassimir Karakachanov, the Ministry of Defense reported.

For the first time blessing of the flags with holy water took place under the rule of Tsar Simeon I in 917 before the battle with the Byzantines at the Aheloy River. Since then, water consecration was performed before each battle of the Bulgarian army until the fall of Bulgaria under Ottoman rule.

After the Liberation, the tradition was restored by the first Minister of War of the Principality of Bulgaria, Pyotr Parensov, and lasted until 1946. After the democratic changes, the ritual was restored once again in 1993.



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

German foreign minister Johann Wadeful in Sofia

Germany's foreign minister Johann Wadephul comments on processes in the Middle East during Sofia visit

During his visit to Bulgaria, which coincided with the signing of the Gaza agreement in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, the German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul  commented on the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Bulgaria and..

published on 10/14/25 9:15 AM
German foreign minister Johann Wadephul (left) with Bulgarian foregn minister Georg Georgiev

Bulgaria and Germany discuss the future “European Sky Shield” system

The relations between Bulgaria and Germany are excellent. Germany is among our closest strategic partners. This was stated by Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev after a meeting with his visiting German counterpart Johann Wadephul. The two discussed..

published on 10/14/25 8:50 AM
Silvi Kirilov

Minister of Health to inaugurate helipad at Gabrovo Multiprofile Hospital

Health Minister, Silvi Kirilov, will officially open the newly built helicopter landing pad at the Dr Tota Venkova Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment in Gabrovo today, the hospital's press office has announced. The helipad was certified at the..

published on 10/14/25 8:15 AM