The Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates today the Day of St. Paraskeva (Petka) of Turnovo. The holiday is called Petkovden by the people. St. Petka - one of the most revered saints in Bulgaria, was born in Epivat on the Sea of Marmara in the 11th century. Petka lived a devout life and after her death her relics that have healing power became a symbol protecting Christian culture against Islamic assimilation. In 1238 Tsar Ivan Assen II transferred the relics to the city of Veliko Turnovo, where they were kept until the city was conquered by the Turks. After long journeys in 1641, the relics of the saint were laid in the cathedral in the Romanian city of Iasi, where they are located to this day. In folk traditions Petkovden is seen as the end of the active farming season and services for health are held.