Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Today is the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Photo: BGNES

Every year on 21 November the church marks the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, one of the 12 Great Feasts of the year, celebrated by both the Eastern Orthodox and the Catholic Church.

By a decision of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church from 1929, the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also celebrated in Bulgaria as the Day of the Christian Family. It coincides with the start of the Nativity Fast. On this day, at the end of church service in Eastern Orthodox houses of worship, believers receive Holy Communion.

Going to church as a family on this day symbolized the entry into the temple by 3-year old Mary, the future Mother of God. It is a reminder to parents of their spiritual obligations to their children. After returning from church the family gathers around the table which has always been a symbol of a strong family bond. The table is not cleared away so that when Virgin Mary comes during the night she will have something to eat and will bless the house.

Read more about the Day of the Christian Family here.



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

National Archaeological Museum takes part in European Archaeology Days

The initiative European Archaeology Days 2024, taking place in a number of European countries, offers a different view of archaeology as a science, and as the basis for communication, and the public sharing of the European heritage, as well as easier..

published on 6/14/24 11:00 AM

Spasovden is among the favorite feasts of Bulgarians

On June 13, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of the Ascension, when the resurrected Christ ascends into heaven. The great Christian holiday always falls on a Thursday, forty days after the Resurrection of Christ. This is also the last day when..

published on 6/13/24 6:30 AM

Spasovden is among the favorite feasts of Bulgarians

On June 13, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of the Ascension, when the resurrected Christ ascends into heaven. The great Christian holiday always falls on a Thursday, forty days after the Resurrection of Christ. This is also the last day when..

published on 6/13/24 6:05 AM