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

Christians in Bulgaria mark Day of St. Anne - patron of motherhood

Photo: library

On December 9, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Conception by Righteous Anna of the Holy Mother of God. The holy and righteous Joachim and Anne were childless for many years, despite their righteous and modest life. In many ancient cultures this was considered a punishment from God and a sign of accumulated sins, and this brought grief to Anne and Joachim. They constantly prayed to God for a child. One day, an angel appeared to Anne and informed her that she would give birth to "a daughter most blessed, by whom all the nations of the earth will be blessed, and through whom will come the salvation of the world." Hearing these words, she made a promise that she would dedicate the girl to God. When Mary was at the age of three Sts. Joachim and Anne took her to the temple to be dedicated to the service of the Lord.


According to Bulgarian folk traditions the day is called Aninden or Anyovden and the saint is considered the patroness of pregnant women, of motherhood and children, of marriage and the family, protector of virgins, widows and pregnant women.

Lenten dishes are served on this day because the holiday is marked during the period of Nativity Lent. Everyone with the names Anna, Anka, etc. also celebrate.


We offer you the folk song "Anche le" performed by Kaicho Kamenov - one of the most famous Bulgarian folk singers from the recent past.

Photos: library, Pixabay







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

Who is Marko Totev and why his name became a byword for bad luck

In Bulgaria, when we talk about a person with bad luck, we often say: "Ah, what a Marko Totev!" But who exactly was Marko Totev, and how did his name become a byword for a person with ill fortune and a bad luck? "He was a Bulgarian public figure..

published on 4/1/25 8:56 AM

Life as a string of Ramadans – Muslims in Bulgaria celebrate Bayram

30 March marks the end of the most blessed time of the year, as Muslims call the month of Ramadan. This year it started on 1 March, and the most important obligation Muslims have during this 30-day period is to refrain from food, drink and temptation..

published on 3/30/25 8:15 AM
The Bulgarian Cathedral

God's grace flows into the Bulgarian cathedral in Berlin

Nearly 40 years ago, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church Communities (BOCC) in Western and Central Europe were concentrated in several cities. After our country joined the European Union and with the growth of the Bulgarian diaspora, the Bulgarian church..

published on 3/25/25 2:43 PM