Every year, on the first Saturday before the Day of Archangel Michael (8 November), Orthodox Christians mark Archangel All Soul’s Day, the last of the three All Soul’s days set down by the Christian Orthodox church. According to the canon, they all fall on a Saturday, a day set aside for our dear departed. After a divine service, a memorial service takes place at which believers pray for the souls of their deceased family members and relatives.
On the Friday before All Soul’s Day, Christians go to the graves of their loved ones where they clean, incense and put flowers on them. Finally, they pour red wine over the grave and light a candle as a symbol of the immortality of the soul. The incense on its part symbolizes pure prayer, the flowers – the virtues of the deceased. On Archangel All Soul’s Day people sit down to a shared meal that has to include seven different dishes (including the ones the deceased loved most). Food is given away on Archangel All Soul’s Day with the words “God rest”. Old people say if you see a fly or a butterfly come near you on this day, it is the soul of the deceased.
The Orthodox Church celebrates the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The holiday celebrates the miraculous finding of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. It is one of the 12 major Christian holidays of the year. When the cross..
Once upon a time, there was a remarkable neighbourhood where the construction of Old Sofia first took shape. Situated between the Royal Palace and the railway station, it was the main artery of the city - a hub of activity. This area was not only a place..
Vintage cars from the National Service for Protection (NSP) fleet are on display at the National History Museum from today until 15 September. The exhibition marks the 145th anniversary of the service. Visitors can see four rare vehicles preserved..
Overcast, rain
Mostly Cloudy
Cloudy