Bulgarian Orthodox church marks the Feast of the Cross

Every year on September 14, Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria celebrate the Feast of the Holy Cross.

As part of the tradition, worshipers from all over the country flock to Krastova Gora (the Cross Forest) in Bulgaria’s Phodope mountain on the night before the great Christian holiday.

Religious people believe that if someone spends the night there, this person will be cured, if ill. Thousands of pilgrims have taken their places on the slopes at the foot of the Holy Trinity complex since early in the morning. The place, which is also known as the "Bulgarian Holy Forest" attracts visitors because a piece of the crucifixion cross is believed to have been buried there.

Krastova Gora can be reached on a stone pathway, around which 12 chapels in honour of the 12 apostles were built. People patiently wait their turn to touch the Cross. They believe that the Cross, connected with a piece of Christ Crucifix, will bring them health and will heal the sick.

The evening liturgy will begin at 19:00, and will be led by His Eminence Metropolitan Nikolay of Plovdiv.

Very few people are wearing protective masks, but disinfectants are placed in front of each temple and care is taken not to have a large crowd in front of the icons in the church "Protection of the Holy Mother of God".