Holiday on August 18, 2026 — St. Ivan Rilski Day in Bulgaria
On August 18, Bulgaria honors Saint John of Rila the Wonderworker—one of the country’s most revered saints and the heavenly patron of the Bulgarian people. On this day, his death is commemorated, and thousands of people make their way to monasteries and churches associated with his life. The main site of the celebration is the Rila Monastery, where the saint’s relics are kept and where believers come for worship and prayer.
St. John of Rila’s Day is celebrated on August 18. This date is associated with the saint’s Dormition—as the day of his death is called in the Orthodox tradition. John of Rila died on August 18, 946, when he was about 70 years old. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church considers him the most prominent Bulgarian saint and the heavenly patron of the entire Bulgarian people.
However, the saint is commemorated not only on August 18. The Bulgarian church calendar also includes October 19—the day his relics were transferred to Sofia—as well as July 1—the day his relics were returned to the Rila Monastery. But August 18 is directly linked to the last day of the saint’s earthly life. On this day, solemn services are held in churches throughout Bulgaria, and special festive services take place in monasteries dedicated to Ivan of Rila.
Who Was Ivan of Rila
Ivan of Rila was born around 876 in the village of Skryno, located in the Osogovo Mountains region. He grew up in a Christian family and, even at a young age, decided to devote his life to his faith. After his parents’ death, Ivan gave part of his inheritance to the poor and the sick. He then went to a monastery, where he took monastic vows. But later he left the monastery and began living as a hermit in the mountains.
According to church tradition, he initially settled in a simple hut that he built from branches. Later, after an attack by bandits, Ivan found a cave and settled there. He fasted, prayed, and lived a very simple life. Eventually, people learned of the hermit. Those who wished to study under him and lead a monastic life began to come to him. A community of his followers gradually formed around Ivan. It was from this community that a monastery later grew, which became the foundation of the future Rila Monastery.
That is why Ivan of Rila is remembered in Bulgaria not only as a saint. He is considered a spiritual mentor, the founder of the monastic tradition, and one of the symbols of Bulgarian Christian culture.
Why Is the Saint Called the Patron Saint of Bulgaria?
Ivan of Rila is called the heavenly patron of the Bulgarian people. His veneration over the centuries has become an important part of the country’s spiritual and cultural history. He lived in the 10th century—a period when Christianity was already playing an important role in Bulgaria. Through his example, he showed that a person can renounce material possessions and devote their life to prayer, helping others, and spiritual seeking.
His Testament holds particular significance. Before his death, Ivan of Rila left spiritual instructions for his disciples. In them, he urged them to preserve their faith, observe monastic rules, and guide people in the Christian life. That is why, in the Bulgarian tradition, he became more than just a saint on the church calendar. His image is associated with spiritual steadfastness, humility, mercy, and the renunciation of wealth for the sake of faith.
How the Rila Monastery Came to Be
The history of the Rila Monastery is directly linked to Ivan of Rila. The first monastic buildings were erected during his lifetime, when disciples and other monks began to gather around the hermit. Over time, the monastery changed locations and was rebuilt several times. In the 14th century, it was moved to its current site. The reasons for this included, in particular, the need for better protection against attacks and the opportunity to better organize the life of the monastic community.
The Rila Monastery gradually became one of Bulgaria’s main spiritual centers. Throughout various historical periods, it served not only as a religious center but also as a repository of Bulgarian literature, culture, and traditions. Today, the Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria’s most famous symbols. It functions as an Orthodox monastery and remains an important pilgrimage site.
What Happens on August 18
On the Feast of the Dormition of Saint John of Rila, solemn liturgies are held in monasteries and churches. The services at the Rila Monastery and other monasteries named after the saint are particularly grand. Believers come to the churches to pray and honor the memory of the saint. People light candles, participate in the services, and ask for health, help, and protection for themselves and their loved ones.
After the liturgy, in some places, prayers for the blessing of water are held. For example, during the celebration on August 18 at the Chapel of St. John of Rila near the “Kumata” hut, the blessing of water took place after the service, and those present were sprinkled with holy water. People often come to these places with their entire families. For many, this is not just a religious holiday, but an opportunity to spend the day in prayer, reflect on the saint’s life, and spend time together. In some monasteries, communal meals are organized after the service. For example, at the chapel near “Kumata,” after the festive service, people shared a meal prepared by the hosts.
Pilgrimage to the Rila Monastery
On August 18, the Rila Monastery becomes one of the main pilgrimage sites in Bulgaria. Believers come here not only from nearby towns but also from other regions of the country. The monastery’s main shrine is the relics of St. John of Rila. It is before these relics that people pray and pay homage to the saint. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church considers the saint’s relics a source of grace and healing for those who turn to him with faith.
The tradition of venerating the relics has a very long history. After the saint’s death, they were repeatedly moved from one place to another. One of the most significant events was the transfer of the relics to Sofia and, later, their return to the Rila Monastery. That is why the history of the relics of John of Rila has become a distinct part of Bulgarian religious tradition. Two other important dates on the church calendar—October 19 and July 1—are also associated specifically with their transfer.
Interesting Facts About Ivan of Rila
Ivan of Rila lived over a thousand years ago. According to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, he was born around 876 and died in 946.
The saint began his life as a hermit. He sought solitude in the mountains and lived very simply, subsisting mainly on what he could find in nature.
A monastic community formed around him. People came to the saint to become his disciples. Thus, a community gradually took shape, which became the foundation of the monastery.
The Rila Monastery has been associated with his name for many centuries. The first buildings were erected during the saint’s lifetime, and later the monastery underwent renovations and changes in location.
In Bulgaria, the saint is known as a miracle-worker. His veneration is linked to numerous accounts of healings and assistance given to people who turned to him in prayer.
Ivan of Rila left a spiritual testament. In it, he addressed his disciples and urged them to preserve their faith and continue their spiritual work.
Other places associated with the saint
The memory of John of Rila is honored not only at the main monastery. There are many churches and monasteries in Bulgaria named in his honor. One such place is the Ruen Monastery of Saint Ivan Rilski, located in the Ruen Mountains above his native village of Skryno. According to church tradition, it was there that the future saint’s spiritual journey began.
On August 18, a festive liturgy is also held at the Ruen Monastery. After the service, kolyvo and water may be blessed. Another interesting place is the high-altitude chapel of St. Ivan Rilsky near the “Kumata” hut on Vitosha. It is located at an altitude of 1,745 meters above sea level. According to local tradition, the chapel is associated with the route along which the saint’s relics were carried during their transfer.
Why This Is an Important Day for Bulgaria
For Bulgaria, the feast day of Saint John of Rila is more than just a religious holiday. His name is closely tied to the history of Bulgarian Orthodoxy, monastic culture, and the country’s spiritual tradition. The saint lived at a time when the Bulgarian state and Christian culture were undergoing a significant period of development. His example became part of this history and has been preserved to this day.
On August 18, people commemorate his life, pray, and visit places associated with his name. For believers, it is first and foremost a day of spiritual remembrance, and for Bulgaria as a whole—an opportunity to honor one of the most important figures in its religious history. Today, the figure of Ivan Rilsky remains one of the most famous symbols of Bulgarian spiritual culture. And the Rila Monastery, which grew out of the community of his followers, continues to operate and remains one of the country’s main Orthodox centers.
