Text size

Today is St. Stephen's Day

published on 12/27/23 6:10 AM

Photo: Archive

On 27 December, the Orthodox Church honours the memory of the first Christian martyr - St. Stephen. He was a miracle worker who, like Christ, laid his hands on the sick and they were healed. And although there are few records of his life, the saint is particularly revered in Bulgaria because the third day of Christ's birth, when his feast is celebrated, "closes" the Christmas holiday cycle in Bulgaria.

The last religious holiday of the year, Stefanovden, is celebrated according to popular tradition with meat dishes, meat pies, songs and merriment. The feast is especially abundant today in the homes of the namesakes - Stefan, Stefana, Stefka, Venko, Stoyan, Stoyko, Stoichko, Stoimen and all the names derived from them.

St. Stephen is also the patron saint of many Bulgarian churches, including the symbol of the struggle for Church independence - the Iron Church of St. Stephen in Istanbul.

The Iron Church of St. Stephen in Istanbul. Photo courtesy of BGNES

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Radio Bulgaria History and religion Christian Orthodox Stefanovden St Stephen

More from category

Historian Matthew Sears talks about the influence of Thracian heritage on ancient Athens

The Getty Museum in Los Angeles, USA, is hosting a webinar today entitled Who Were the Thracians? Professor of Classical and Ancient History Matthew Sears will discuss the Thracian legacy and its influence on ancient Athens. Sears is the author of..

published on 11/19/24 7:10 AM

Codes of Identity: Exhibition presents Bulgaria's ancient families and the 130-year life of Yoncho Pelovsky

The exhibition "Codes of Identity", which opens today in Sofia, presents ancient Bulgarian lineages that have left a lasting legacy. The venue is the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (NAIM-BAS) In..

published on 11/14/24 7:45 AM

The tomb of the Thracian king Seuthes III in the Golyamata Kosmatka mound.

20 years ago, archaeologist Georgi Kitov discovered the tomb of King Seuthes III

June 11, 2007 - US President George W. Bush Jr. visits Sofia. According to protocol, the press conference he held for the media took place among the exhibits of the National Archaeological Museum. The official lunch for the guest was later held at the..

published on 11/12/24 6:54 PM

WEATHER

Pick city: Sofía

Partly Cloudy
Min: -6 | Max: 5

BULGARIA IN PICTURES

Which world-famous Bulgarian artist designed QSL cards for Radio Bulgaria?

St. Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral celebrates its feast day

The Patriarchal Cathedral of St Alexander Nevsky is celebrating its temple feast today. The cathedral, a symbol of the Bulgarian capital, was built "in..

published on 11/23/24 7:05 AM

Share