The saint library

Saint John the Bulgarian

Martyr
Bulgaria, Mount Athos and Constantinople · 18th century
Feast day: March 5

Published composite showing a black-and-white depiction of John the Bulgarian at left and an engraving of Hagia Sophia at right. Image source: Sofia Metropolitanate

A life of faith

John came from Bulgaria and went to Mount Athos after abandoning Christianity and later regretting that decision. The received account remembers him assisting a spiritual elder for three years. He subsequently traveled to Constantinople and publicly professed his Christian faith at Hagia Sophia. He was killed there on March 5, 1784, at the age of nineteen.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

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