When Bulgarian Soldiers Tried to Steal the Relics of Saint Demetrius the New of Basarabov from the Cathedral of Bucharest During World War I

Saint Demetrius the New, commemorated on October 27th, was born in the village of Basarabov in northeastern Bulgaria. His relics came to Bucharest in the second half of the 18th century, in the context of the Russian-Turkish War of 1768-1774, brought by Russian general Pyotr Saltykov. According to tradition, the general intended to take the relics to Russia, but at the request of a Romanian, Hagi-Dimitri, the relics were given to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Bucharest. Thus, in the last decades of the 18th century, Saint Demetrius the New of Basarabov became the patron saint of Bucharest.

During World War I, on 17 February 1918, when Bucharest was occupied by the Germans, about 20 Bulgarian soldiers, allies of the Germans, broke down the entrance to the Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen and snatched the relic of the patron saint of Bucharest, Saint Demetrius the New of Basarabov, to transport it to their country. They hid it in a car and at night set off for the Danube River. But the Saint, not wanting to leave Romania, caused such confusion in the streets that the thieves could not find a way out, so they found themselves outside the Cathedral again. As soon as it dawned, they managed to find the public exit road, but on their way the car broke down several times and they were arrested by the German occupying forces. Thus the holy relic was returned to its place in the midst of a glorious reception by the Metropolitan himself and thousands of people.

Saint Nektarios of Bitel (+ 1500)

 

St. Nektarios of Bitel (Feast Day - December 15)

Venerable Nektarios was born in the small town of Bitel (or Butili) in Bulgaria around the year 1430. In the world he was named Nicholas. Before the Turkish invasion his mother had a vision: the Most Holy Virgin herself appeared and told her to flee and go into hiding with her husband and children. They immediately got people together from Bitel – children, women and weak old people left the city, while the men remained to defend the city from the Turkish invader with weapons. The Turks conquered the city and spread devastation, slaughter and atrocities. When the Turks passed and the situation was calmed down, many of the residents returned, but Nicholas’s father, who was now old and after making an agreement with his wife, withdrew to a monastery dedicated to the Holy Unmercenaries Saints Kosmas and Damian, not far from Bitel, where he became a monk with the name Pachomios. Young Nicholas often visited his father there, and received an education.

Holy Martyr Abraham of Bulgaria (+ 1229)

St. Abraham of Bulgaria (Feast Day - April 1)

The Holy Martyr Abraham the Bulgarian, the Wonderworker of Vladimir, was born in Volga Bulgaria, amongst the Muslim Volga Bulgars in what is now Tatarstan, Russia. He was a rich and noble merchant, who traded in the cities of the Volga region, and was unusually good and kindly towards the destitute. Visiting Russian cities, talking with Russian merchants, he was deeply interested in the Christian faith. God's grace touched his heart and, knowing the truth of the holy faith of Christ, he accepted Holy Baptism. So this merchant became a Christian and received a new name, with which he is recorded on the pages of the Book of Life, Abraham (nowhere in the annals is there mention of the name of the Saint before Baptism).

Saint Theodosius of Trnovo (+ 1363)

St. Theodosius of Trnovo (Feast Day - November 27)

Saint Theodosius began his exploit in the Bulgarian city of Vidin, at the Nikolaev Monastery. After the death of the abbot Job he settled near Trnovo, then the capital city of Bulgaria, at the Holy Mountain Monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos in search of a spiritual guide.

He left the Holy Mountain Monastery and for a long time went from monastery to monastery. Finally, he learned about the monastery called Paroria, so named because it was on the border between Bulgaria and Byazantium, where in pursuit of asceticism Saint Gregory of Sinai had moved from Athos. Saint Theodosius found in him an experienced guide of the hesychastic life.

Holy New Martyr George of Kratovo (+ 1515)

St. George of Karatovo (Feast Days - February 11 and May 26)

Verses

George not being afraid of the fire,
Remained unconsumed by the fire.

The Holy New Martyr George was born in 1497 in Kratovo of Serbia. His parents were Demetrios and Sarah. Young George received a fine upbringing, he attentively studied the Holy Scriptures, and he was pious and chaste. His father died when he was ten, so he had to support his family by taking on the trade of a goldsmith. Being a handsome young boy, in order to avoid being abducted, molested and indoctrinated by the Turks, he fled with his mother's approval to Sofia in Bulgaria when he was twelve. There he lived with a devout priest named Peter.

Saint Joachim I, Patriarch of Tarnovo and All Bulgaria (+ 1246)

St. Joachim I of Tarnovo (Feast Day - January 18)

Our Holy Father Joachim comprehended the deceit of the world from his youth, and went to Mount Athos where he spent his days in constant prayer, fasting and vigils. As a stern ascetic, Joachim became famous among the monastic brotherhood for his commendable efforts to persevere in virtue and obedience.

After spending many years on the Holy Mountain, Joachim returned to his homeland in Bulgaria and settled with three disciples (Diomedes, Athanasios and Theodosios) near the village of Krasen, not far from the Danube River. There they carved a small rock church in the gorges of the Rusenski Lom River. His fame spread in the country and reached Emperor Ivan Asen II (1218–1241), who went on a pilgrimage to Joachim's abode. The two men established a very close spiritual relationship. Ivan Asen II donated a lot of gold to the ascetic who ordered the construction of the Church of the Archangel Michael, now called the "Buried Church" that forms part of the Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo. The church became the katholikon of a monastery that gathered many monks.

Life of Saint Theophylact, Archbishop of Ochrid and Bulgaria

Blessed Theophylact was born in the mid eleventh century, in the city of Chalcis, located on the Euripus Strait (which separates the island of Euboea from the Greek mainland). In a letter to the brother of Empress Maria, he mentions his relatives in Euripus, and one ancient list of Bulgarian archbishops directly identifies Theophylact as originating from Euripus. It seems that he spent most of his early life in Constantinople: in one of his letters, he calls himself a true Constantinopolitan. In this and other letters, he expresses a devotion to Constantinople, which could only have been acquired by living there a long time.

Blessed Theophylact began his clerical service in Constantinople as one of the deacons of Hagia Sophia, “the Great Church,” as it has been called since the time since it was first completed in 360. These deacons were held in high esteem. As close assistants of the Patriarch, they shared with him almost all the work of his ministry; one helped him manage the patriarchate, while others took turns giving sermons for him. Blessed Theophylact was among the latter and held the title of “Rhetorician of the Great Church.” It was his responsibility to explain the Scriptures and to write instructive sermons on behalf of the Patriarch. In one document dating from this period, Blessed Theophylact is named “Master of Rhetoric”; but that does not necessarily mean that he taught rhetoric to those who were preparing for positions as orators (public speakers). This title of distinction was given to rhetoricians who were particularly noted for their gift for preaching, and therefore could serve as an example for less capable and experienced preachers.

Holy Seven Apostles of Bulgaria - Saints Cyril, Methodios, Clement, Nahum, Sava, Gorazd and Angelrius

On July 27th the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors Saints Cyril and Methodios with five of their most famous disciples - Clement, Nahum, Sava, Gorazd and Angelarius. Though these Saints each have their own feast day, today they are celebrated together.

After the death of Cyril and Methodios in Moravia, some of their disciples fled persecution and arrived in Bulgaria, where they found refuge and support, while others were sold to Jews as slaves and taken to Venice where they were bought by ambassadors of the Roman Emperor Basil the Macedonian and returned to Constantinople. Clement and his companions were forced to march to the border, being beaten all along the way by German soldiers. All this was done secretly without the knowledge of King Wiching, who had wished, in his stubborn and obstinate heretical belief, to keep them in prison and to continue tormenting them until they recanted their faith.

Saint Gabriel of Lesnovo Monastery in Bulgaria

St. Gabriel of Lesnovo (Feast Day - January 15)

Venerable Gabriel was born as an answer to his noble parents prayers in Osiche near Ksiva Palanka, some thirty-eight miles from Skopje around the beginning of the twelfth century. After being married for a very short time, he fled his family home upon the death of his wife in search of finding a place suitable to living a God-pleasing life, and at this time he met a deacon named Thomas who inflamed his heart with the beauty of the ascetic life. He then had a vision of the Archangel Michael in which he was urged to return home and establish a church in his village. Having established a church in honor of the Nativity of the Theotokos, he again left his home and entered the Monastery of the Archangel Michael, also known as Lesnovo Monastery, on the slopes of Mount Plavitsa, near the village of Lesnovo about twenty-seven miles east of Skopje. Having become notable for his humility and obedience, the abbot tonsured him and gave him the blessing to live in a cell apart from the brethren in order to further devote his time to prayer.

Synaxarion of the Holy Fifteen Martyrs of Tiberiopolis (+ 361)

On this day, the 28th of November, we commemorate the Holy Martyrs Timothy and Theodore the Bishops; Peter, John, Sergius, Theodore and Nikephoros the Priests; Basil and Thomas the Deacons; Hierotheos, Daniel, Chariton, Socrates, Komasios and Eusebius the Monks; with Etimasios, who all met their end by the sword.

Verses

To the two Bishops.

Timothy together with Theodore,
Were seen to be exceedingly honorable gifts to God.

To the five Priests.

Beforehand they sacrificed a most pure sacrifice,
Afterwards they were observed becoming the sacrifices.

To the two Deacons.

Wherever Christ is, as he says,
The contestants stand nearby serving.

To the six Monks.

The six monks were cut asunder by the sword,
Now they stand together with the six-winged intelligences.

To Etimasios.

Deprived of the first syllable blessed one,
Stands your calling, for you have honor above.

(The following is an English translation of the Greek translation and summary of Saint Nikodemos the Hagiorite from the original text of Saint Theophylact of Ochrid.)

Life of Saint Clement of Ochrid (St. Theophylact of Ochrid)

 

Below is the life of Saint Clement of Ochrid by Saint Theophylact of Ochrid. Right-click on each page to enlarge.

Saint Paisius of Hilandar (+ 1773)

St. Paisius of Hilandar (Feast Day - June 19)

Saint Paisius of Hilandar was born in the year 1722 in Bansko of southwest Bulgaria into a pious family. One of his brothers, Laurence, was abbot of Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos, and another was noted as a generous benefactor of Orthodox temples and monasteries. Saint Paisius himself went through his obedience at Rila Monastery.

In 1745 at age twenty-three, Saint Paisius went to his brother in the Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos, where he received monastic tonsure. The ascetic matured spiritually on the Holy Mountain. He studied Holy Scripture and he was found worthy of ordination to the holy priesthood.

Holy New Martyr John the Goldsmith of Bulgaria (+ 1802)

St. John or Raiko of Bulgaria (Feast Day - May 14)

John was from the town of Suma (Shoumen) in Bulgaria where he practiced the craft of goldsmith. He was a handsome young man of eighteen and great in virtue.

Holy Martyrs Quinctilian, Maximus and Dada at Durostorum

Verses

For April 13.

Whose heads are these that lie asunder?
Quinctilian, Maximus and Dada.

Fro August 2.

The earth brings forth three dead who are life-bearers,
The heavens said it was fitting they be brought forth from where they hid.

Saint Euthymius, Patriarch of Tаrnovo (+ c. 1404)

St. Euthymius of Tarnovo (Feast Day - January 20)

A member of the boyar family of the Tsamblaks, Euthymius (Evtimiy) was born about 1325 in Tаrnovo. He received his education at the monastery schools in the vicinity of Tаrnovo. In 1350, he became a monk and entered the Kilifarevo Monastery that was founded by Patriarch Theodosius of Turnovo. After Theodosius appointed him his assistant, they traveled in 1363 to Constantinople and spent some time at the Studion Monastery, known for its center of learning and rich library. There, Euthymius became well-known among the educated clergy of the area as he was influenced by many outstanding thinkers, scholars, and reformers of the spiritual life and beliefs in southeastern Europe. However, soon after their arrival Theodosius died. Euthymius then joined the Great Lavra of Athanasius the Anchorite on Mount Athos.

Holy New Venerable Martyr Onouphrios Who Was Martyred in Chios (+ 1818)

St. Onouphrios the New (Feast Day - January 4)

Saint Onouphrios (Onufri) was born in Gabrovo, Bulgaria in 1787, and was baptized with the name Matthew. His parents, Detzio and Anna, were pious, prominent and wealthy (later his father became a monk and took the name Daniel). From a young age he was able to attend school.

At the age of eight or nine, he was reprimanded and punished by his parents for some mischief. Angry because of this, Matthew, in the presence of some Muslims, responded by saying that he would become a Muslim. Because of this, the Muslims sought to take him away and have him circumcised, but his parents with difficulty kept them at bay and he never became a Muslim. It appears this incident took place on the island of Chios.

Life and Miracles of our Holy Father Romylos of Ravanica

By Gregory of Constantinople

1. Nothing is as appropriate nor as worthy of the lovers of good things as to transmit through writing the achievements and struggles of saintly men who lived their life in a holy and God­-pleasing manner, and to narrate them so that posterity may be incited to follow and imitate them. For men, especially those of us who wish to remain according to the image of God, and have kept the eye of the soul sound, desire to be familiar with all praiseworthy and honorable things and desire to acquire them. It is good to see with the eyes of the soul the struggles of good men and champions of virtue, and from these struggles to draw profit. For when the laudable things become visible, they are shown to be worth seeking, and become desirable, and those who see them are moved to acquire them. And when the story of these things is transmitted from those who know to the ears of the audience, it brings no mean profit.

Holy New Martyr Spaso (Anastasios) of Rodovis in Bulgaria (+ 1794)

St. Spaso of Rodovis (Feast Day - August 8)

Verses

The body of Anastasios was bound to torments,
Finding the lot entirely free of pain.

Saint Spaso, also called Anastasios, was born in the village of Rodovis that was situated in the Strumitza district of Bulgaria. At the age of twenty he went to Thessaloniki, where he worked as a clerk in a clothing store.

Holy Martyr Aimilianos of Silistria in Bulgaria (+ 362)

St. Aimilianos of Silistria (Feast Day - July 18)

Verses

Aimilianos was thrown into the fire,
Standing before Christ, he makes merry with the Angels.
On the eighteenth Aimilianos was thrown into the flames.

+ + +

Aimilianos was thrown to the burning coals,
Seeing the burning coal as Isaiah saw it.
On the eighteenth Aimilianos was burnt in the fire.

Theodoret of Cyrus, in his Ecclesiastical History (Bk. 3, Ch. 6), records the following about Saint Aimilianos: "At Dorostolon, a famous city of Thrace, the victorious athlete Aimilianos was thrown upon a flaming pyre, by Capitolinus, governor of all Thrace."

Synaxarion of the Holy Hieromartyr Erasmus of Ochrid

St. Erasmus of Ochrid (Feast Day - June 2)

Verses

To Erasmus.

Erasmus contested by your grace O Savior,
With love hastening towards heaven, he is received.

To the 20,000 Martyrs.

The heads of the athletes were decapitated by the sword,
Two times ten thousand were found fallen.

Saint Erasmus was from Antioch, and flourished during the reigns of Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (286-305). Having lived a life of asceticism, he attained such perfection, that he would receive food by means of a raven, and he was made worthy by God of many gifts, so that even against his will he was made a Hierarch. Being granted divine zeal in his soul, he journeyed everywhere in the manner of the apostles, preaching the word of the gospel, and working numerous miracles.