St. Stephan’s Day

On December 27, the Bulgarian orthodox church celebrates the day of St. Stephan. He is the first Christian protomartyr and archdeacon of the Jerusalem municipality – a church, which attracted people of all social circles, who joined it and donated their properties to it. The Israelites became envious of the well-run municipality, and decided to incite the crowds against the archdeacon, telling them he abused God and the Moses law. The angry crowd took St. Stephen out of town and started throwing stones against him. The saint kneeled, and shortly before he breathed his last, turned to heaven with the words: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. O, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." His body was left to be eaten by the beasts and birds. People say the Virgin Mary watched his martyr’s death and prayed for his soul. In V century, a part of his relics were discovered through prophecy and placed in Jerusalem. According to traditional beliefs, the day of St. Stephen is the third day of Christmas and the last feast for the year. On this day, the circle of the old year closes. The family gathers around the table, on which meat dishes are served. On this day, everyone called Stephen, Stephena, Stefka, Stoyan, Stoyanka, Stanka, Stoycho, Stoimen, Stoichko, Tzonyo, Zapryan, Tzonka, celebrate their name day.