Saint Boris-Mihail – Bulgarian Prince

Saint Boris was Bulgarian ruler of 9th century, the one to convert the Bulgarians to Christianity. He is also known as a prominent politician. During his reign (852-889) Prince Boris made significant changes in the political and religious life of the country with lasting cultural and social results. In 864 he adopted Christianity and made it official religion in Bulgaria. He built a lot of temples and monasteries and cared much for the foundation of independent Bulgarian Church. As a result of his cultural policy the Old-Bulgarian language and writing were introduced as official in the divine services and the first Bulgarian literary centers were created. Boris welcomed in the capital of Pliska the students of Saints Cyril and Methodius – Kliment, Naum and Angelariy, and offered them favorable conditions for literary work and preparation of the necessary people in the Church. In 889 he voluntary retired from the throne and became a monk in the monastery near the Grand Basilica near Pliska. Twice he left it – once to suppress the pagan rebels headed by his son Vladimir, and the second time to lead the army against the Magyars, who invaded the Bulgarian lands. Prince Boris died on May 2, 907. Today all called Boris, Borislav and Boryana have their name day.