Bulgaria Prepares for Dormition of Mary

The Dormition of Mary Monastery near Troyan in central northern Bulgaria. File photo.

Thousands of believers are expected to flock to the Rila Monastery in southwestern Bulgaria for the evening service on the eve of the great Eastern Orthodox holiday Dormition of Mary.

Known to Catholics and Anglicans as Assumption of Mary, the day, celebrated in Bulgaria on August 15, marks the passing of the mother of Christ and her ascension to Heaven.

It is a holiday of happiness and joy, for it was the day that the mother of Chirst rejoined him in eternal glory.

In Bulgaria the day is also the name day of persons bearing the widespread name Maria, and cognates like Mario, Mariana.

Many people will flock to churches for the Dormition of the Holy Mother of God services, with monasteries across the country being a traditional destination for worship.

The famous Troyan Monastery, which bears the name of the day, has its temple holiday Monday, and a lot of people are expected this year, as usual.

The day is also the official holiday of third-biggest Bulgarian city Varna, whose main cathedral bears the name of the Dormition.

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