Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria pay homage to Saint Catherine

November 24 is celebrated as the name's day of all women named Ekaterina, Katerina, Katya and other variants

2
Photo: Archive

On November 24, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors St. Catherine (Sveta Ekaterina in Bulgarian), who was one of the most educated women of her time. She lived in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries and came from a noble family in Alexandria.

In the Egyptian city, Christians were persecuted and forced to renounce their faith. Catherine was not intimidated, however, but spoke boldly that Jesus Christ was the one true God and that pagan deities were not to be worshipped.

By order of the governor of Alexandria, the young Christian woman was captured, but it became clear that she was not going to renounce her faith. In 305 she was subjected to cruel torture. She was tied to a wheel with sharp teeth, but miraculously it broke and the martyr was finally beheaded.

Saint Catherine is a symbol of purity, wisdom and spiritual strength. She is also the patron saint of scholars, teachers, girls and mothers. 

24 November is the name day of all people called Ekaterina or its derivatives like Katerina, Katya etc. 

Learn more about how this day is marked in Bulgaria in the following publications from Radio Bulgaria's archival collection:


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.

Gallery

More from category

Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv marks 130th anniversary of the birth of Dimitar Peshev

The Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv , Israel, today commemorates the 130th anniversary of the birth of Dimitar Peshev, a righteous man of the nations of the world, deputy chairman of the 25th National Assembly of Bulgaria, the Bulgarian..

published on 11/20/24 2:21 PM
The Captain's Memorial

The Bulgarian Land Forces celebrate their holiday

The Bulgarian Land Forces are celebrating their holiday today. A statement from the Ministry of Defense's press center notes that November 19, 2024 marks 139 years since the glorious victory at Slivnitsa and 146 years since the establishment of..

published on 11/19/24 9:17 AM

"Ten Great Friends of Bulgaria" tells about foreigners who left their mark on Bulgarian history

The book "Ten Great Friends of Bulgaria" by journalist Milena Dimitrova will be presented this evening at 6pm at the Sts. Cyril and Methodius National Library in Sofia. The book recounts the lives of ten people of different nationalities and eras, whose..

published on 11/19/24 8:40 AM