Bulgaria marks the Day of Saint Elijah (Ilinden)

On July 20, Bulgaria marks Ilinden - the Day of Saint Elijah the prophet (or Iliya). He was one of the greatest Old Testament figures, a strong opponent of paganism and a herald of the true faith in God.

Since early times, the Christian Church has called him "Prophet and Harbinger of the Great Works of God," "Angel in Flesh," and "Forerunner of the Second Coming of Christ."

Prophet Elijah of the Old Testament lived some 900 years before the birth of Christ and was a native of the town of Thesbia in Palestine. When he was born, his father had a vision of distinguished men congratulating him, wrapping the baby in swaddling clothes and then feeding him with flames of fire. Deeply disturbed, he went to the priests in Jerusalem to tell them about his vision. They comforted him by saying:

“Fear not, your son will live in light and will stand in judgment on the people of Israel by means of fire and sword”. This also explains the name of the prophet Elijah, which means Power of the Lord. People of all times have revered his moral elevation and spiritual closeness with God. His steps in Palestine have to this day been considered sanctified by his power.

The Day of St. Elijah the Prophet is among the most revered holidays of the Bulgarian people. Churches in the country are consecrated to the Prophet Elijah and graced by an icon of the Prophet.

Many churches, especially in Southwestern Bulgaria, bearing the name of Prophet Elijah, are decorated with his icon, and Christians seek his heavenly protection. Believers venerate the saint, who is who is a patron of lightning and thunder, keeping fire away from farmed fields.

Saint Elijah brings rain and moisture, and protects life. Because of the power he possessed, people call him Elijah the Thunderer. In popular mind, he rides across the sky in a golden chariot from which he sends out fiery arrows.

In the Bulgarian folk calendar, Ilinden is the most beloved summer holiday during harvesting.

On this day, old people tell stories and sing songs about the holy prophet Elijah, who drives a fiery chariot with six stallions across the sky and prays to God for health and prosperity, good weather and fertility.

Elijah’s namesakes, that is the people named after him, and tradesmen such as furriers, saddlers and bakers, are said to be happiest on the day as St. Prophet Elijah is their patron.

The day is elebrated as the Name Day of Iliya, Iliyan and Iliyana.

On St. Elijah’s day farmers in Bulgaria traditionally set up prayers for rain. In some regions, on the day before the feast, the ritual hunt down of Dragon - a symbol of drought- is performed.

Old style Ilinden is celebrated on August 2, when the Ilinden-Preobrazhenie Uprising broke out for the Liberation of Macedonia and the Adriatic.