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Bulgarians mark Assumption of St. John of Rila

Photo: BGNES

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church marks today the Assumption of St. Ivan Rilski (John of Rila). This is one of the two days of the year, that honor the hermit from the Rila Mountain, considered to be the heavenly patron of the Bulgarian people, whom they once called the earthly angel and a celestial man.

Born around 876 in the village of Skrino, near Dupnitsa, until the age of 25 Ivan Rilski was a shepherd and then became a monk and founded the Rila Monastery, which has existed for 1000 years.

On this day miners mark their professional holiday as they see St. Ivan Rilski as their patron.



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