published on 29.08.2008, 16:04 Author: Svetla Ivanova Article rating:
The Orthodox Church honors the cross four times each year namely on the third Sunday of the Great Feast, on Good Friday and on August 1 and September 14.
Three events are connected to September 14 known as Krustovden (cross day) or Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Bulgaria. These include the vision that emperor Constantine had of a cross, the fact that his mother Helena found the cross at Golgotha and the return of the Holy Cross from Persia during the reign of emperor Heraclius.
Exaltation of the cross is recreated in each Orthodox church on September 14. The cross is positioned in the center of the church so that all believers can see it and pray.
People call the holiday Grozdobernik (grape collection day).
According to Bulgarian folklore, on September 14 the sun moves backward and autumn begins. The day marks the beginning of numerous agriculture activities among which ploughing and grape collection.
Bread is prepared to placate nature and to bring land owners fertility. Only lenten meals are eaten.
Many Bulgarians go to Krustova Gora, a holy place in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains.
The monastery complex in Krustova Gora protects a piece of the Holy Cross. Believers welcome the holiday with a morning prayer for health. According to beliefs, many ill people get miraculously cured.
Three events are connected to September 14 known as Krustovden (cross day) or Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Bulgaria. These include the vision that emperor Constantine had of a cross, the fact that his mother Helena found the cross at Golgotha and the return of the Holy Cross from Persia during the reign of emperor Heraclius.
Exaltation of the cross is recreated in each Orthodox church on September 14. The cross is positioned in the center of the church so that all believers can see it and pray.
People call the holiday Grozdobernik (grape collection day).
According to Bulgarian folklore, on September 14 the sun moves backward and autumn begins. The day marks the beginning of numerous agriculture activities among which ploughing and grape collection.
Bread is prepared to placate nature and to bring land owners fertility. Only lenten meals are eaten.
Many Bulgarians go to Krustova Gora, a holy place in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains.
The monastery complex in Krustova Gora protects a piece of the Holy Cross. Believers welcome the holiday with a morning prayer for health. According to beliefs, many ill people get miraculously cured.
Send to friend
Save in favourite
Comment this article
Print this article



Enlarge photo

Article overview
Gallery
Comments
September 14 - Krustovden