Bulgarian Orthodox church marks the assumption of Saint Ivan Rilksi the miracle maker

On 18th of August, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates the assumption of the greatest Bulgarian saint - Ivan Rilski (John of Rila), the miracle maker.

The many miracles that happened through his prayers rank him among the most revered saints in Bulgaria.

Earlier today, a Holy Mass was celebrated in all churches across the country.

He is the founder of the Rila Monastery. Many worshipers flocked to the monastery to light a candle and say a prayer for good health.

Saint Ivan Rilski was born app. 876 a.c. in Skrino, at the foot of the Osogovo mountain,close to the modern city of Dupnitsa, South-Western Bulgaria.

At the age of 25, he gave away his inheritance to the poor and accepted the life of a monk. The founder of the Rila Monastery is revered as Bulgarian saint, but he was famous throughout the Balkan Peninsula.