On one of the hottest days of summer, 20 July, the Christian Orthodox church honours the prophet Elijah. Many churches around the country have been named after the Old Testament prophet. According to the bible, Elijah lived in the 9th century BC. In folklore tradition, the day is known as Ilinden, and is one of the most popular summertime feasts. Elijah is believed to punish nonbelievers with drought and to send rain to those who repent. He is the protector of the poor.
Because of the power he wields over the celestial fire, Elijah is also called Grumovnik, Grumolomnik, Grumodol - all of them derived from the word grum – thunderclap.
Today is the name day of all people named after the prophet – Iliya, Iliyan, Ilyiana, Ilka, Ilcho etc. It is also the day of curriers, fur-dressers, saddle and tile makers, and firefighters.
Compiled by Darina Grigorova
Translated and posted by Milena Daynova
Photos: archive, EPA/BGNES
On the second day after Easter begins Bright Week. It is so called because of the light that Christ's Resurrection brings to the world. According to Orthodox tradition, it is a time when the Holy Apostles and the Virgin Mary are glorified. Bright Week..
Patriarch Daniil celebrated a divine service for the so-called Second Resurrection of Christ in the Sofia-based church of Saint Nedelya. Patriarch Daniil greets Bulgarians with “Christ is Risen” At the festive liturgy, texts from the Gospel..
Patriarch Danil of Bulgaria, Metropolitan of Sofia, greeted the faithful with the joyful words "Christ is risen!" In his Easter message, he called on Orthodox Christians to share the extraordinary joy of heaven with the world through a life of light and..
Partly Cloudy
Mostly Cloudy
Clear