Share

Text size

Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Today is St. Stephen's Day

published on 12/27/23 6:10 AM

Photo: Archive

On 27 December, the Orthodox Church honours the memory of the first Christian martyr - St. Stephen. He was a miracle worker who, like Christ, laid his hands on the sick and they were healed. And although there are few records of his life, the saint is particularly revered in Bulgaria because the third day of Christ's birth, when his feast is celebrated, "closes" the Christmas holiday cycle in Bulgaria.

The last religious holiday of the year, Stefanovden, is celebrated according to popular tradition with meat dishes, meat pies, songs and merriment. The feast is especially abundant today in the homes of the namesakes - Stefan, Stefana, Stefka, Venko, Stoyan, Stoyko, Stoichko, Stoimen and all the names derived from them.

St. Stephen is also the patron saint of many Bulgarian churches, including the symbol of the struggle for Church independence - the Iron Church of St. Stephen in Istanbul.

The Iron Church of St. Stephen in Istanbul. Photo courtesy of BGNES

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Radio Bulgaria History and religion Christian Orthodox Stefanovden St Stephen

More from category

85 years since return of Southern Dobrudzha to Bulgaria celebrated in Silistra

The 85 th anniversary since Southern Dobrudzha returned within the bounds of Bulgaria will be celebrated with an official ceremony on 1 October in Silistra, the Bulgarian news agency BTA reports. Representatives of the local and central..

published on 10/1/25 7:30 AM

Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil meets with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Thessaloniki

Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Thessaloniki, the Bulgarian Patriarchate announced. The two discussed the centuries-old spiritual ties between the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Orthodox..

published on 9/29/25 1:32 PM

September 22, 1908: Bulgaria breaks free from Ottoman rule

On September 22, 1908, Prince Ferdinand I proclaimed Bulgaria’s independence in a manifesto, formally establishing the Third Bulgarian Kingdom. The location was chosen with care: the Church of the Forty Martyrs in the old capital, Veliko Tarnovo,..

published on 9/22/25 6:05 AM

1
..
5
6
7
8
9
10

WEATHER

Pick city: Sofía

Mostly Cloudy
Min: -3 | Max: 3

BULGARIA IN PICTURES

Which world-famous Bulgarian artist designed QSL cards for Radio Bulgaria?

shopify analytics ecommerce
tracking