On 19 June, the Bulgarian Orthodox church honours enlightener Paisius of Hilendar, author of Slav-Bulgarian History.

Paisius, a monk in Mount Athos, is one of the most prominent figures in Bulgarian history, culture and the church. He dedicated his life to the preservation of Bulgarian language and culture in the difficult period of Ottoman domination.

• Three centuries later: Bulgarians value the work of Paisius of Hilendar more than ever

Paisius believed that culture (history) and language were the two fundamental elements of the national identity of the Bulgarian people. That is the reason why historians and researchers consider him to be the founder of the Bulgarian National Revival, an enlightener and an exponent of the idea of Bulgaria’s national liberation. His efforts to preserve Bulgarian history have made Paisius of Hilendar an important symbol of the Bulgarian national identity and culture.  

He was canonized as a saint by written decree of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox church in 1962.