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

Day of protomartyr St. Stephen

The third day of Christmas, 27 December, is marked as St. Stephen’s Day in Bulgaria. Orthodox Christians honour St. Stephen, the first martyr or protomartyr for the Christian faith and first archdeacon, stoned to death in the year 37 after an argument with Jewish notables.

Stefan, meaning “wreath” is one of the most popular names in Bulgaria. All people named Stefan, Stefka, Stoyan, Stoyanka, Ventsislav and their derivatives celebrate their patron saint’s day or name day. According to popular belief, St. Stephen’s day “completes the cycle” of the old year.



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

Bulgaria marks 140 years since victory in the Battle of Slivnitsa

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov will take part in the solemn celebrations on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of the Serbo-Bulgarian War, which will be held on November 7 - Victory Day in the Battle of Slivnitsa. The ceremony..

published on 11/7/25 4:28 PM

Research ship "Sts. Cyril and Methodius" departs for Antarctica

Research ship "Sts. Cyril and Methodius" has departed from Varna after a solemn ceremony. In its fourth voyage to Antarctica the ship is expected to reach the Bulgarian Antarctic base on Livingston Island by the end of December and..

published on 11/7/25 3:21 PM

Strong security measures for Levski - CSKA derby on Saturday

The Sofia Police announced that they will use drones to monitor fans before and during the football match between Levski and CSKA, which will be held on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at the Vasil Levski National Stadium. There will be..

published on 11/7/25 2:34 PM