On February 10, Christians in Bulgaria honor martyr St. Charalampos of Magnesia. In the Bulgarian tradition, this is one of the last winter holidays. From that day on, people started working on their land again together with the withdrawal of winter.

St. Charalampos lived in the 2nd century in Magnesia, Asia Minor, in an era of terrible persecution against Christians. He was very righteous and even during his lifetime he showed his holiness by spreading the word of God. He was over 100 years old when cruel Roman emperor Septimius Severus subjected him to torture to renounce Christ and tortured him for nearly 13 years. Charalampos remained firm and his faith was healing all his wounds.

Perhaps, because of his miraculous healing people venerate St. Charalampos, giving him the role of healer and guardian of health. In folk traditions the saint protects against plague, so he is often depicted holding it in a jar. Because of this power, the saint is also considered the patron saint of honey and beekeepers, who celebrate their professional holiday on February 10.

Compiled by: Gergana Mancheva

English publication: Al. Markov