Rila, Bulgaria, August 8, 2022
Photo: mitropolia-sofia.org
On August 5, the eve of the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, a few hundred Bulgarian Orthodox faithful completed their 5-day, 65-mile procession to the holiest site in Bulgaria.
From August 1 to 6, more than 200 pilgrims traveled from the capital of Sofia to St. John of Rila Monastery in the 13th annual “Rila Wonderworker” pilgrimage, reports the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
The pilgrims passed through picturesque mountains, and wherever they stopped, they were hospitably welcomed by local Christians. Every day was filled with morning and evening prayers, molebens, akathists to St. John of Rila, and spiritual conversation.
Photo: mitropolia-sofia.org
On August 5, the faithful made the steep descent down to the monastery, where they were welcomed by the abbot His Grace Bishop Evlogy of Adrianople and the brotherhood.
The next day, they took part in the festive Liturgy for the Transfiguration of the Lord. Most of the pilgrims received the precious Body and Blood of Christ, for which they’d been preparing throughout the procession.
Following the Liturgy, the pilgrims had the opportunity to venerate the relics of St. John of Rila and pray another akathist to the Bulgarian wonderworker.
Photo: mitropolia-sofia.org
The main initiator and organizer of the procession, Professor Pavel Pavlov, addressed the pilgrims, reflecting upon the spiritual experience they underwent together:
When we started this initiative, we wanted the memory and glory of St. John to never fade, and to keep Bulgarians awake to this glory. We wanted our children to follow us and that they would continue this pilgrimage... We often mention that the road is a trial. To walk 65 miles isn’t such a big trial. But it’s a feat to maintain good relations with so many people for five days. I’ve noticed that this is the biggest trial. It’s difficult to be of one mind these days, and for that, thank you to everyone for making a lot of effort in this regard.
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