site.btaBulgarian Orthodox Church Marks Feast of the Dormition of Saint John of Rila

On August 18, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church marks the Feast of the Dormition of Saint John the Miracle Worker of Rila (876-946), Bulgaria's patron Saint. 

Saint John of Rila was the first Bulgarian hermit, revered as a saint while he was still alive. He lived during the time of Bulgarian Knyaz Boris I, Tsar Simeon and Tsar Peter. Saint John of Rila became a monk early in his life early and lived as a hermit in various places in Western Bulgaria. He healed pilgrims, communed with animals and refused earthly riches. Many churches were founded in his honour, including the Rila Monastery, the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria.

Staint John's dormition is commemorated each year on August 18 and October 19.

The Feast of the Dormition of Saint John of Rila is solemnly observed in the Rila Monastery on Sunday, which marks 1,078 years since the Dormition of the patron saint of all Bulgarians. The liturgy will be led by Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil.

Patriarch Daniel arrived in the Rila Monastery on Saturday evening. It is the first official visit of the new Bulgarian Patriarch to the Rila Monastery