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

Orthodox church honors the memory of St. Charalampos

The saint is also considered protector of beekeepers

Photo: library

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



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

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
The public has a rare opportunity to see the original Panagyurishte Gold Treasure at the History Museum in Panagyurishte.

Panagyurishte Gold Treasure – the original – is back in Panagyurishte

From 16 September, the History Museum in Panagyurishte will be hosting the original Panagyurishte Gold Treasure. The priceless find will be displayed in the museum’s secure vault hall, where it can be seen until October 23. The treasure will be on..

published on 9/16/25 8:05 AM

It is the Day of the Holy Cross

On September 14, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church bows down before the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified . The Exaltation of the Holy Cross of the Lord or Cross Day is one of the 12 great Christian holidays.  It is one of the four days..

published on 9/14/25 6:05 AM