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

Christians honour St George the Victorious

Icon of Saint George, 14th century, Constantinople.
Photo: Archive

Today, the Orthodox Church commemorates St George the Victorious, recognised as one of the earliest martyrs for the faith.

Living during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, St George joined the army at a young age. By the time he was twenty, he had risen to the ranks of the Council of State. However, when the persecution of Christians began, he steadfastly refused to take part in it. Enduring various tortures for his unwavering faith, he inspired many to embrace Christianity, including Alexandra, the Emperor's wife. As a result, the emperor ordered St George to be beheaded with a sword.

For Bulgarians, the feast of St George is of great national significance, symbolising the beginning of summer and the new agricultural cycle. Traditionally, a kurban is offered in honour of St George, accompanied by the roasting of a lamb, and the whole family gathers for a festive meal.



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

Balkan developments

European mayors express their support for the detained mayor of Istanbul Mayors of European cities, including Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev, expressed their solidarity with the detained Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu, by visiting the Turkish..

published on 8/29/25 10:39 AM
Photo: Bulgarian School for Native Language

Fourth generation of Bulgarian children in Hungary fill the classrooms of the Sunday school

On the last day of August, the spacious three-story building of the Bulgarian Cultural Center at 62 Vágóhíd Street in Budapest will open its doors to students from the Bulgarian School for Native Language. Classes in Hungary begin on..

published on 8/29/25 8:15 AM
Protest in Pleven over the water crisis

Over 260,000 people in Bulgaria face water shortages – where is the crisis rooted and what can be done?

Bulgaria, the European Union, the 21 st century, the year is 2025. More than 260,000 people in the country, at the end of August, do not have drinking water or are experiencing rolling water supply cuts. The most poignant example is Pleven in..

updated on 8/28/25 2:51 PM