Tomorrow, on August 15, Bulgaria will celebrate one of the biggest Christian holidays - the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, also known as the Feast of the Dormition. This day holds deep significance for Orthodox Christians as it honors the Holy Mother of God as the patroness of women, motherhood, and the family hearth.
The feast commemorates the memory of the Holy Mother of God and her dormition, or falling asleep. According to Orthodox tradition, on this day, the Mother of God was taken to heaven with body and soul.
The great feast will be solemnly celebrated throughout the country, but special attention is given to the celebrations at the Troyan Monastery "Assumption of the Virgin Mary". This monastery, one of the most significant in Bulgaria, is dedicated to the Holy Mother of God and annually attracts thousands of pilgrims on the feast day.
Our reporter Varsen Takvoryan is on location at the Troyan Monastery to provide us with a live update on the preparations for tomorrow's celebrations. The monastery is expected to host a solemn liturgy led by high-ranking clergy, as well as a number of other spiritual and cultural events.
The Feast of the Dormition has not only religious but also deep cultural significance for Bulgarians. It is associated with numerous folk customs and traditions, including the consecration of new homes, distribution of food for health and prosperity, as well as gathering medicinal herbs.
On the eve of the feast, many Bulgarians will visit churches and monasteries to light a candle for health and well-being. A significant number of people celebrating their name day is also expected tomorrow, as many popular Bulgarian names are associated with the Virgin Mary.
The Feast of the Dormition is not only a day for spiritual renewal but also an occasion for reflection on the values of family and motherhood in contemporary society. It reminds us of the importance of these fundamental human connections and their role in maintaining the social fabric of our society.