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

A liturgy was held on St. John Island near Sozopol for the first time in 500 years

Photo: Daniela Kostadinova

For the first time in 500 years, the chants of the Divine Liturgy echoed through the ruins of the medieval monastery ''St. John the Baptist'' on St. John Island near Sozopol. The occasion was the commemoration of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, observed by the Orthodox Church on August 29. The relics of the saint were discovered on the island in 2010.

The service began with a liturgical procession from the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius to the port of Sozopol, from where worshippers were transported by boat to the island. The Divine Liturgy was led by Metropolitan Arseniy of Sliven. After the service, Professor Kazimir Popkonstantinov, who discovered the holy relics, was awarded the highest distinction of the Sliven Metropolis — the Order of St. Demetrius of Sliven, First Class.

Edited by Darina Grigorova

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photo: Daniela Kostadinova



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

Roman engineering genius comes to life beneath the streets of ancient Ratiaria

Just days ago, archaeologists uncovered part of the complex underground infrastructure that once served the Roman baths of Ratiaria - one of the most important ancient cities in Bulgaria’s northwest.   Founded in the 1st century in the area of..

published on 11/23/25 10:15 AM

When horsemen and mystical rituals come to life in gold and silver – the Letnitsa Treasure

In the world of the Thracians, who had no written language, the most important messages were conveyed through art. The Letnitsa Treasure is precisely such a message — about power, beliefs, and the path to wisdom . This unique discovery, dated between..

published on 11/22/25 7:00 AM

On November 21 we mark the Day of the Orthodox Christian Family

On November 21, the day of the Presentation of Virgin Mary (or the Entry of the most Holy Theotokos into the Temple), the Orthodox Bulgarians also celebrate the Day of the Christian Family and the Learning Youth.  The holiday was established by the..

published on 11/21/25 7:20 PM