The Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates Petkovden on Wednesday October 14, a day that marks the beginning of the Bulgarian Winter.

Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors the celebration of the Reverend Petka-Paraskeva Tarnovska on Wednesday, known amongst the general population as Petkovden.

Reverend Petka was born near the Sea of Marmara in the 11th century. After leading a ‘godly life’ St. Petka's relics, which allegedly have a curative effect, became a symbol of the struggle to preserve Christian culture from Islamic assimilation

Tsar Ivan Assen II took her relics to Veliko Tarnovo, where he kept them until his capture. After many travels the relics are now resting in the Romanian city of Iasi

Petkovden is considered to be the end the summer and autumn, and thus the beginning of winter holidays. On this day offerings are traditionally made for health and fertility. Pitkas (Bulgarian flat bread) with honey and boiled mutton are usually served.

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