Bulgarian Orthodox Church Marks Holy Cross Day

Today Orthodox Christians mark the day of the Holy Cross called in Bulgaria "Krastovden".

The Orthodox Church pays homage to the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ with a water blessing ceremony.

Thousands of believers gather in churches to see the Holy Cross which the priests raise above their heads for everyone to see hence the name of the feast - the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Every year thousands of pilgrims flock on this day to Krustova Gora (the Cross Forest), where a piece of the crucifixion cross is believed to have been buried. Located 45 kilometers south of Assenovgrad, Krustova Gora is one of the most revered Christian holy places in Bulgaria. Truly religious people believe that if someone spends the night there, they will be cured, if ill.

The day is also related to the end of the summer and the beginning of the autumn. Farmers start sowing the winter crops by first blessing the seeds, and it is also the start of the vintage season.

Krastovden is also a name day for many Bulgarians called: Krastyo, Krastina, Kristian, Kristina, Krastilena, Krastena, Krastan, Kana, Kancho, Stavri.