Who is Saint John of Rila?

On this day, the church marks the Dormition of the Venerable John of Rila – the heavenly patron of the Bulgarian people. In 946 AD, the saint ended his earthly journey, leaving behind the eternal legacy of the Rila Holy Monastery.

The path of the hermit

Born in the village of Skrino in the 9th century, John of Rila dedicated his life to prayer, fasting, and service to God. His youth was spent in spiritual closeness to the work of St. Clement of Ohrid, which shaped his worldview on the love for God and one's neighbor.

"Love God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself!"

Why do we honor the saint several times a year?

  • August 18: The day of his passing (Dormition).
  • October 19: The transfer of his relics to Sredets.
  • July 1: The return of the relics to the Rila Monastery.

The legacy of the Rila Wonderworker

Saint John not only sought personal salvation in the mountains but also inspired generations of Bulgarians toward spiritual perfection. His famous "Testament" remains a moral compass that still teaches us humility and humanity today. Currently, his incorruptible relics continue to be a source of hope and healing for thousands of pilgrims.