Bulgaria Inside

Karnobat’s spiritual center is St. Ioan Bogoslov church. Its construction began after Bulgaria’s liberation and was finalized in 1880. The church opened doors on May 8 1881.

Architecture is unique and according to documents, Gencho Kunev is the builder responsible for it. The dome underwent renovation in 1907 and the building was painted in 1909. No wall paintings decorate the church. It is unknown when a layer of paint was placed over them.

The church underwent major renovation in 1925.

St. Ioan Bogoslov has been named monument of culture of national importance. The iconostasis is what makes the sanctuary important. Filipovtsi family members are responsible for its creation. The iconostasis was created between 1906 and 1908 and features four decorative belts. Woodcarvings that decorate it have been made with great precision.

All other items in the church have been decorated in a similar manner by the same group of craftsmen.

Several painters created the icons in the beginning of the 20th century. One of them remains anonymous and the technique used is quite peculiar.

The church treasures several icons that feature built in relics. A Russian icon from the beginning of the 19th century that features St. Pantaleimon is among the interesting paintings in the church.

The dome features several wall paintings that underwent renovations in 2004. The altar holds several other paintings, yet these are concealed.