Pilgrims Reach Rila Monastery
Hundreds of Orthodox Christians completed the “Miracle Worker of Rila” pilgrimage, arriving at the Rila Monastery to venerate the relics of St. John of Rila, Bulgaria’s patron saint. The journey concluded on the Feast of the Transfiguration, marked by a special liturgy led by Bishop Evlogiy.
The pilgrimage began on August 1 in Sofia and is part of the broader initiative A Journey of Faith. It retraces the symbolic path of the saint’s relics and unites believers in prayer and reflection.
Another major route, “The Sacred Way,” follows the historic transfer of the saint’s remains from Veliko Tarnovo to Rila. Led by Pascal Piperkov, the group walked over 700 kilometers through 70 towns and 100 sacred sites, enduring harsh weather, rugged terrain, and spiritual trials, CE Report quotes BTA
Participants included seasoned pilgrims and newcomers, such as six-year-old Hristo, a child believed to be born through the saint’s intercession. Elitsa Stamenova, a seven-time participant, noted the warm receptions in villages like Cherven Breg, where locals welcomed pilgrims with traditional bread, salt, and honey.
Plamen Miryanov, founder of the Our Home is Bulgaria Foundation, joined part of the trail from the Seven Rila Lakes. He recalled a powerful thunderstorm in the mountains: “It was an incredible spiritual experience — to hear God’s voice and feel His mercy.”
The pilgrimage continues to grow each year, becoming a cherished spiritual tradition. “This journey teaches humility and leads people toward prayer, repentance, and confession,” Miryanov said.
Bishop Evlogiy addressed the faithful at the monastery, praising their perseverance: “That joy gave you the strength to venerate the holy relics and to pray for faith, hope, and blessings.”
More than a physical journey, the pilgrimage has become a path of unity, faith, and inner transformation.
