Bulgaria: Pilgrims walk 120 km in procession to Rila Monastery

Pilgrims at Rila Monastery. Photo: Sofia Metropolis

The traditional “Rila Wonderworker” pilgrimage route has concluded in Bulgaria, with more than 100 Orthodox Christians from Bulgaria and other countries walking about 120 kilometers from Sofia to Rila Monastery, the Sofia Metropolis press service reports.

The procession began on August 1 and symbolically retraced the route of the transfer of the relics of St John of Rila in 1469 from Tarnovgrad through Sofia to Rila Monastery. Along the way, the pilgrims took part in divine services, prayers, and church hymns.

On August 5, Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel joined the pilgrims. He climbed on foot to the Seven Rila Lakes at an altitude of 2,282 meters, where he celebrated a festive blessing of the waters at Babreka Lake. Bishop Ioan of Branitsa, Bishop Hierotheos of Agathopolis, and clergy of the Sofia Metropolis prayed with him.

Addressing the pilgrims, Patriarch Daniel urged them to set an example for those who are only beginning their journey toward faith. He also recalled the testament of St John of Rila, who called on Christians to preserve unity, avoid divisions, and resist greed.

After the blessing of the waters, the participants continued on to Rila Monastery, where the procession concluded. The following day, on the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, the pilgrims took part in a hierarchical Liturgy at the monastery’s Cathedral of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that hundreds of faithful in Bulgaria welcomed the Hawaiian Icon of the Mother of God.

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