Ivanovden - the Day of Saint John the Baptist

On 7th January, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates the Day of Saint John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. He is also called the Forerunner, since he foretold the coming of Jesus the Messiah.

The feast is called Ivanovden (John is Ivan in Bulgarian and “Ivanovden” means the Day of John).

7th of January is a name day of everyone named Ivan, Vanyo, Vanya, Yoan/Ioan, Yoanna/Ioanna, Yonko/Yonka, Yoto, Ivaylo, Ivo, Ivona, Kaloyan, Jan/Jean, and Janna. All these names have the basic meaning of “God’s blessing”. Over 370 Bulgarians have a name day on this day.

Liturgies in honour of the St. John the Baptist were served across the country.

The bathing ritual for good health, which is performed on St. Jordan’s Day/Epiphany continues on Ivanovden. It is believed that the water on this day has purifying and sacred power.

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