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

Epiphany blessing of Bulgarian Army battle flags

Photo: BGNES - library

Today at 11.00 in front of the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in Sofia the traditional Epiphany Blessing of the battle flags of the Bulgarian Army takes place. The ritual will be attended by the Minister of Defense Krassimir Karakachanov, the Ministry of Defense reported.

For the first time blessing of the flags with holy water took place under the rule of Tsar Simeon I in 917 before the battle with the Byzantines at the Aheloy River. Since then, water consecration was performed before each battle of the Bulgarian army until the fall of Bulgaria under Ottoman rule.

After the Liberation, the tradition was restored by the first Minister of War of the Principality of Bulgaria, Pyotr Parensov, and lasted until 1946. After the democratic changes, the ritual was restored once again in 1993.



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

Parliament approves at first reading three draft amendments to the Family Code

Bulgaria’s National Assembly approved at first reading three draft amendments to the Family Code. GERB-SDS propose introducing the possibility of shared parenting in cases of divorce, with the court ruling also addressing the issue of the child’s..

published on 4/10/25 6:01 PM

Bulgaria is a key player in the region's energy transition, says energy minister

Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov attended the tenth edition of the Delphi Economic Forum in Greece. "Bulgaria is a reliable partner in the region's energy transformation and security," he said during his speech at the panel "Addressing Energy Regional..

published on 4/10/25 5:42 PM

Testing of Average speed control systems started today

Testing of the sectional average speed control system began today. The tests are being conducted by the National Toll Authority in cooperation with the Bulgarian Institute of Metrology and are aimed at verifying the accuracy of the measurements before the..

published on 4/10/25 3:59 PM