On one of the hottest days of summer, 20 July, the Christian Orthodox church honours the prophet Elijah. Many churches around the country have been named after the Old Testament prophet. According to the bible, Elijah lived in the 9th century BC. In folklore tradition, the day is known as Ilinden, and is one of the most popular summertime feasts. Elijah is believed to punish nonbelievers with drought and to send rain to those who repent. He is the protector of the poor.
Because of the power he wields over the celestial fire, Elijah is also called Grumovnik, Grumolomnik, Grumodol - all of them derived from the word grum – thunderclap.
Today is the name day of all people named after the prophet – Iliya, Iliyan, Ilyiana, Ilka, Ilcho etc. It is also the day of curriers, fur-dressers, saddle and tile makers, and firefighters.
Compiled by Darina Grigorova
Translated and posted by Milena Daynova
Photos: archive, EPA/BGNES
The Aprilov National High School in the beautiful Bulgarian town of Gabrovo nestled in the foot of the Balkan Range celebrates its 190th anniversary in 2025. Following in the traditions of the Gabrovo Mutual School – the first secular school in..
The Boyana Church will be an attractive center for the delegates of the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee , who will gather in Sofia in July this year. The Church of St. Nicholas and St. Panteleimon is one of the..
The Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy in Varna has marked 144 years since its founding. A period in which the educational institution has followed the trends for highly specialized training of specialists in various professional fields..
All Souls' Day (Zadushnitsa in Bulgarian) is an important day for many Christians. On this day, we remember deceased relatives and loved ones. The first of..
Mostly Cloudy
Partly Cloudy