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
A trilingual exhibition titled “Egyptian Cults around the Black Sea” opens today at 6 PM at the Archaeological Museum in Sozopol , according to BNR – Burgas. Part of an international research project, the exhibition is organized by the Institute of..
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church has issued an official statement on “pagan neo-Hindu propaganda with pseudo-Christian elements”. The bishops of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church call for greater vigilance against “touring gurus, self-proclaimed “spiritual..
Our lands are the cradle of ancient civilizations. Thanks to Bulgarian archaeologists, they are becoming known to the general public, said Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov at the presentation in Sofia of the restored statue of a man from the ancient..
Cloudy
Rain
Overcast, rain
Scattered showers