Share

Text size

Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Saint Ivan Rilski is declared the heavenly patron of Bulgarians

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church marks the feast of Saint Ivan Rilski

published on 8/18/23 1:39 PM

Photo: BGNES

On August 18, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church venerates the feast day of Saint Ivan Rilski (John of Rila) - one of the greatest figures of the Middle Ages who influenced the entire Eastern Orthodox world.

He was born around 876 in the village of Skrino in the Osogovo Mountains. He lived during the time of Bulgarian Knyaz Boris and Tsars Simeon and Peter. He adopted monasticism early and lives as a hermit in various places in Western Bulgaria.

Finally, he settled in the Rila Mountain and founded the Rila Monastery. In 980 he was canonized.

The saint has been declared the outstanding heavenly patron of the Bulgarian people and their intercessor before God, as well as the most popular Bulgarian folk saint and healer.

Many churches and monasteries in the country bear the name of the saint.

On August 18, the day of his assumption in 946, many people flock to Rila Monasery and Ruen Monastery to pay homage to the saint.

Read also:

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Radio Bulgaria History and religion Bulgarian Orthodox Church hermit Ivan Rilski John of Rila monasticism Rila Rila Monastery saint Saint Ivan Rilski

More from category

The Troyan Monastery donates holy relics to the St. Paraskeva Petka Church in Troyan

The Troyan Monastery "Dormition of the Mother of God" will donate relics of the patron saints of the town—St. Paraskeva-Petka and St. Panteleimon the Great Martyr—to the St. Paraskeva Petka Church in Troyan , Archimandrite Stefan, deputy abbot of the..

published on 6/13/25 5:10 AM

All Souls’ Day reminds us of the transience of life

Today, June 7, is one of the special days in the liturgical year, in which we offer prayers for forgiveness of sins and repose of the souls of our deceased loved ones. In the calendar of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, All..

published on 6/7/25 5:50 AM

Muslims in Bulgaria celebrate Kurban Bayrami

One of the most revered holidays for Muslims, Kurban Bayrami (Eid al-Adha), has begun. It is associated with sacrifice, forgiveness and compassion. According to Sezer Sadulov from the Regional Mufti’s Office in Kardzhali, Kurban Bayram strengthens..

published on 6/6/25 9:38 AM

1
2
3
4
5
6
..
10

WEATHER

Pick city: Sofía

sunshine, cloud, rain and thunder
Min: 16 | Max: 29

BULGARIA IN PICTURES

Which world-famous Bulgarian artist designed QSL cards for Radio Bulgaria?

shopify analytics ecommerce
tracking