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

Bulgarian authorities crack down on illegal citizenship scheme in Sofia

Security agencies in Bulgaria, DANS (State Agency for National Security) and GDBOP (General Directorate Combating Organized Crime), are carrying out an operation in Sofia targeting a group suspected of illegally granting Bulgarian citizenship...

published on 7/2/25 5:56 PM

“If we can import doctors for $500, why not MPs for 500 leva?” — President Radev’s sharp retort to Toshko Yordanov

In a declaration, MPs from the We Continue the Change–Democratic Bulgaria (PP–DB) coalition called for Toshko Yordanov, the chair of the Culture Committee and an MP from There Is Such a People, to resign. This followed his controversial comments about..

published on 7/2/25 5:45 PM

Checks are being carried out for illegal trade in Bulgarian seaside resorts

The Ministry of Tourism has carried out nearly 200 checks in Bulgarian Black Sea resorts over the past month, Minister Miroslav Borshosh reported.  An inspection is currently underway in Sunny Beach. “We want to put a stop to all types of illegal..

published on 7/2/25 3:01 PM