Bulgarians Celebrate Feast of Saints Constantine and Helena with Deep Religious Traditions
Sofia, The Gulf Observer: The Bulgarian Orthodox Church today observes the Feast Day of Saints Constantine and Helena, a celebration of profound religious and cultural importance that honors the two saints revered as Equal-to-the-Apostles for their pivotal role in the spread and institutionalization of Christianity in the Roman Empire.
According to national statistics, more than 100,000 Bulgarians celebrate their name day on this occasion, reflecting the deep-rooted national reverence for the saints. The day carries special regional significance in Strandzha, where it is known as Kostadinovden, famed for its ancient fire-walking rituals that echo centuries-old folk traditions blending faith and mysticism.
This year, the city of Pazardzhik is among the municipalities holding local observances in conjunction with the national holiday. A major highlight of the day is the Divine Liturgy led by Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil at the Church of St. St. Constantine and Helena in Gara Elin Pelin, near Sofia. The majestic church, one of the largest in the region bearing the saints’ names, will host the liturgy and the traditional blessing of water ceremony between 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Father Seraphim Mishev, who leads the congregation there, reflected on the saints’ legacy and modern challenges to spiritual life. “Only a few hundred kilometers from here lies the city of Nis, where Emperor Constantine was born,” he remarked, underscoring the historical and spiritual proximity of the saint to Bulgaria. Citing the modern emphasis on wealth and materialism, which he described as a “vita activa,” Father Seraphim called for a return to the Christian virtues of humility, compassion, and faith.
Emperor Constantine’s enduring legacy stems from his enactment of the Edict of Milan in 313, which legalized Christianity across the Roman Empire. His mother, Saint Helena, is remembered for her pilgrimage to Jerusalem and the discovery of the True Cross, a central relic in Christian belief.
Their impact culminated in the convening of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325, where 318 bishops from across the empire came together to unify Christian doctrine—a cornerstone moment in the formation of the early Church.
As Bulgarians mark the feast across the country, clergy like Father Seraphim are urging believers to reflect on the saints’ message. “Let us strive to fulfill Christ’s call—to be merciful, to help the poor, and to seek what is necessary for our salvation,” he concluded.
