Orthodox Christians Celebrate Feast of St. Demetrius and the Begining of Winter
Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria, Greece and other churches observing the Gregorian calendar are celebrating Thursday the holiday of St Demetrius.
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church marks St Dimitar Day, believed to herald the beginning of winter, on Friday, October 26.
Orthodox Christians in Greece and other churches observing the Gregorian calendar are celebrating the holiday of St Demetrius.
St Demetrius of Thessaloniki, a Christian martyr who lived in the 4th century, is an important saint for Greeks, Bulgarians, Serbs, and Russians.
According to Christian mythology, St Dimitar, "master of frost and snow", rides a red horse and the year's first snowflakes fall from his white beard.
As a forerunner of winter, in popular beliefs St Dimitar is associated with the netherworld - the world of the dead and of the forefathers. The so-called Dimitrovska Zadushnitsa (All Souls' Day) is on the Saturday preceding the St Dimitar Day.
The church holiday is in honor of the Holy Martyr St Dimitar. Legend has it that he was born in the town of Thessaloniki. After the death of his father, he became a chief of town, accepted the Christian religion and started teaching the residents of Thessaloniki that they should not believe and pray to idols but that they should open their hearts to Jesus Christ.
That was why emperor Maximillian ordered that Dimitar was thrown in a dungeon. Even locked in prison, St. Dimitar continued spreading his faith among the people and because of that he was murdered - speared in the ribs. After some time, during the digging of a ditch, St. Dimitar's holy remains, which radiated healing and fragrant "miro", were discovered.
In the church songs, St. Dimitar is glorified as a martyr, keeper of kings, man who disapproved wars and a harbor for those seeking help. These last images of Saint Dimitar find their own place in the folklore rituals.
On that day people who bear the name Dimitar, Dimitrina, Mitko or Dimo traditionally host great parties and, joined by their friends, celebrate their Name's Day.
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
In a grand inauguration ceremony today, the city of Shipka proudly unveiled the archaeological complex "Valley of the Thracian Kings," marking a significant milestone in the preservation and presentation of Thracian culture and art
Today marks Easter Sunday for Catholics in Bulgaria and around the globe, a sacred occasion commemorating the Resurrection of Christ
“The fate of Yavorov inevitably shakes the sensitive hearts!” - Katya Zografova “The Worlds of Yavorov”
As the Saturday following Shrovetide arrives, Bulgarians across the nation come together to celebrate Todorovden, a cherished tradition deeply rooted in both Christian faith and folk customs
In the annals of Bulgarian history, few figures shine as brightly as Rayna Knyaginya, a name synonymous with unwavering courage, national pride, and the spirit of resistance against oppression
Bulgaria commemorated its 146th anniversary of liberation from Ottoman rule with grand celebrations spanning across the nation
UN Happiness Report: Bulgaria's Astonishing Leap in Rankings
Bulgaria: 3 Regions With Lowest Life Expectancy - EU Report 2022