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

Bulgarian Orthodox Church commemorates the beheading of St. John the Forerunner

Photo: archive

On August 29, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church commemorates the death of Saint John the Forerunner and Baptist - on this day the saint was beheaded. For the Church of Christ, Saint John the Forerunner is the greatest among the prophets, and therefore his memory is honored six times a year. On September 23 the church celebrates the Feast of the Conception of the St. John the Baptist, on June 24 it marks the Nativity of John the Baptist, on August 29 - his beheading. On September the church celebrates the Feast Day of the Synaxis of John the Baptist. On February 24 it marks the first and second finding of the honorable head of Saint John the Forerunner. May 25 marks the third finding of the honorable head of Saint John.

On this day, the Church has designated a strict fast, without oil, as a sign of solidarity with the martyrdom of the saint. On this day, as a sign of sympathy for the sufferings of the saint, by analogy with his spilled blood, fruits and vegetables with a red color - watermelons, apples, tomatoes - are not eaten. People should not drink red wine, either.

In the folk calendar, the day is called Seknovenie because of the belief that on this day summer is "cut", day and night are "cut" - they become equal in duration. The water and the weather are starting to get colder. 




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

Serenity, light and spirituality: St Petka Monastery in winter

Quiet among the Lyulin Mountain slopes, the Klisura Monastery of St. Petka is marked by mystery and radiates spirituality. It is located only 7 km from the resort town of Bankya, near the village of Klisura. Winter is the time when the holy monastery..

published on 1/8/25 3:48 PM
The folk custom

Ivanovden is among the favorite winter holidays

Today, The Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors the memory of Saint John the Baptist, also known as Saint John the Forerunner, because he prepared people for the coming of the Savior. The day dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, known in Bulgaria as..

published on 1/7/25 6:05 AM

Bulgarians across the country take out the cross on Epiphany

On January 6, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church is marking Epiphany. According to the Bible, on this day John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. Traditionally, a festive Epiphany liturgy is held in churches, water is blessed, and then..

published on 1/6/25 6:10 PM