Current News

Current News

MESNI ZAGOVEZNI (Meat Fasting Day)

MESNI ZAGOVEZNI (Meat Fasting Day)

2/7/2010 10:26:05 AM

Mesni Zagovezni (Meat Fasting Day) - celebrated 8 Sundays before Easter. After the All Souls' Day (Goliama Zadoushnitsa) on Saturday, the following day, Sunday, people celebrate the Orthodox Church feast of Mesni Zagovezni - the last day people are allowed to eat meat before Easter, so the festive table contains predominantly meat dishes.

In the week following the Mesni Zagovezni Day, i.e. the week before the SIRNI ZAGOVEZNI (Shrove Sunday/ Cheese Fasting) people are allowed to eat dairy products: cheese, butter and eggs. This is the last week in which the young people can go to the village square, sing and dance the horo.

Then, the period of the Easter Lent comes connected to food and spiritual fasting. For centuries in a row Bulgarianshave established the required eating schedule throughout the year. The strict observation of the Fast is supported by a cycle of rituals and rules, fixing "starting fast" and "breaking fast". "Starting fast" is a whole series of practices introducing man into a system of restrictions, and "breaking fast" is a return to the world of chaos and various temptations.

Fasting in the folk mythology has its origin in the belief in the rhythmic change of chaos and order. From an aesthetic and biological point of view, fasting is connected to the rituals of seasonal transition and bringing biological processes of man in harmony with those of nature. Temporary abstinence from certain kinds of food or activities during fixed periods of time is a way of purification and attainment of spiritual and physical perfection.

The Great Lent (Easter fast) is the longest one. It lasts seven weeks and ends on Easter. The second longest fast is the Christmas fast – 40 days. There is two-week fasting before the feast days of some saints - e.g. Virgin Mary, St Peter, etc.

Stefan Stambolov (1854 - 1895) was born on that day
He is the most enthusiastically praised and the most violently denounced politician in Bulgaria's modern history, and what could be a better proof that his extraordinary personality.
Tzar Peter, son of Simeon the Great died on that day in 969 year
Tzar Peter, son of Simeon the Great died on that day in 969 year.
ST. GREGORY the Theologian
ST. GREGORY the Theologian
1/25/2024 8:00:00 AM
Name day of everyone named Grigor, Grigorina, Grisha (which means "being on the alert, staying awake").
Gotse Delchev (1872-1903) was born on that date
"I conceive the world as a place for cultural competition between nations"
Today is Hugging Day
Today is Hugging Day
1/21/2024 8:00:00 AM
National Hugging Day is celebrated on January 21st of each year
PETLYOVDEN (Rooster’s Day)
PETLYOVDEN (Rooster’s Day)
1/20/2024 9:00:00 AM
Name day of everyone named Efthimios (Evtim, Euthim), (the name derives from the Sanskrit word "en", which designates infinity, the hidden god. Some people also interpret the name with the meaning of "kindliness")
Today is ATANASOVDEN (St. Athanasius Day)
Name day of everyone named Atanas, Atanaska, Nasso, Nacho, Tinka, Nasya, Totka.
Today is ANTONOVDEN (St. Anthony`s Day)
Name day of everyone named Anton (meaning priceless in Latin), Antonia, Antoanneta, Antoan, Andon, Doncho, Donka, Donna, Donny, Donyo, Tonyo, Tony.
YUZHNITSI - VERIZHNITSI FEASTDAY
YUZHNITSI - VERIZHNITSI FEASTDAY
1/16/2024 9:00:00 AM
That Feast Day is the first one of the group “Antonovden & Atanassovden” (in the period Jan.16-18) and acts as preparation to the next two larger holidays.
ST.TATIANA
ST.TATIANA
1/12/2024 9:00:00 AM
Name day of everyone named Tatiana or Tanya (coming from Latin with the meaning "the one who arranges").