Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Today the Orthodox church honours St. Paisius of Hilendar

Photo: Ivo Ivanov

On 19 June, the Bulgarian Orthodox church honours enlightener Paisius of Hilendar, author of Slav-Bulgarian History.

Paisius, a monk in Mount Athos, is one of the most prominent figures in Bulgarian history, culture and the church. He dedicated his life to the preservation of Bulgarian language and culture in the difficult period of Ottoman domination.

Paisius believed that culture (history) and language were the two fundamental elements of the national identity of the Bulgarian people. That is the reason why historians and researchers consider him to be the founder of the Bulgarian National Revival, an enlightener and an exponent of the idea of Bulgaria’s national liberation. His efforts to preserve Bulgarian history have made Paisius of Hilendar an important symbol of the Bulgarian national identity and culture.  

He was canonized as a saint by written decree of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox church in 1962. 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

A warning for dangerous rainfall has been issued for 12 regions in Southern Bulgaria

On Friday, the lowest temperatures will be between 4°C and 9°C, reaching up to 12°C in the southeast, around 6°C in Sofia . During the next 24 hours, the weather will remain cloudy. It will rain in almost the entire country. During the day, rainfall..

published on 11/27/25 6:45 PM

Varna mayor Blagomir Kotsev released pending trial on €102,258 bond

The Varna District Court has released the city’s mayor, Blagomir Kotsev, on a financial bond of €102,258. Before the court’s decision was announced, supporters of the mayor and members of the We Continue the Change party gathered outside the..

published on 11/27/25 5:37 PM

Three detained and five police officers injured at last night's protest in Sofia

Three people, including an Italian citizen, were arrested during last night's protest against the adoption of the 2026 budget in front of the National Assembly, the director of the Sofia Directorate of Internal Affairs, Chief Commissioner Lyubomir..

published on 11/27/25 3:50 PM