Bulgaria Folder, Danube rivers North, Rila Mountains Center, Roman Roads North and South.kmz

Bulgaria Folder, Danube rivers North, Rila Mountains Center, Roman Roads North and South

Balkan Mountains
Balkan Mountains ;

Balkan Peninsula
Balkan Peninsula; New-martyr John of Thasos, Commemorated on December 20 ; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8;

Bulgaria (Rila Mountains, Upper Thracian Plain, South of the Danube)
Bulgaria ; Kutmichivitsa Region of Bulgaria; K Triangle, Kutmichevitsa triangle Saloniki-Skopje-Vlora; Equal of the Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, in Holy Baptism Basil, the Enlightener of the Russian Land, Commemorated on July 15; Martyr Emilian of Silistria in Bulgaria, Commemorated on July 18; Hieromartyr Apollinaris the Bishop of Ravenna, Commemorated on July 23; Equal of the Apostles Clement of Ochrid the Bishop of Greater Macedonia, Commemorated on July 27 ; Venerable Isaac the Ascetic of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on August 3; New Martyr Triandaphyllus of Stara Zagora, Commemorated on August 8 ; Venerable Gregory of Sinai, Mt. Athos, Commemorated on August 8; Translation of the relics of St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on August 13; Repose of the Venerable John the Abbot of Rila, Commemorated on August 18 ; Hieromartyr Philip the Bishop of Heraclea, Commemorated August 20 ; Martyr Severus and 38 Soldiers in Thrace, Commemorated on August 20; Martyr Agathonicus of Nicomedia, and others who suffered under Maximian, Commemorated on August 22; St Barses the Confessor, Commemorated August 25 ; St Liberius the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 27 ; St Anastasius of the Strumitza Eparchy, Commemorated on August 29; Translation of the relics of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated August 30 ; 40 Women Martyrs at Heraclea, in Thrace, Commemorated September 1 ; Hieromartyr Cornelius the Centurion, Commemorated on September 13; Venerable Hierotheus the Younger of Iveron of Mt Athos, Commemorated on September 13; Repose of St. Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on September 14; Greatmartyr Nicetas the Goth, Commemorated on September 15 ; Martyr Theodotus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated on September 15 ; Martyr Melitina of Marcianopolis, Commemorated September 16 ; St Sebastiana the Martyr and Disciple of St Paul the Apostle at Heraclea, Commemorated September 16 ; Venerable Cosmas the Bulgarian of Zographou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on September 21; Venerable Cosmas of the Zographou Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on September 22; Venerable John (Koukouzelis) the Hymnographer of Mt. Athos, Albania, Commemorated October 1 ; New Martyr Chryse (Zlata) of Meglena, Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 13 ; Translation of the relics of St Hilarion the Bishop of Meglin in Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 21 ; Venerable Pimen the Bulgarian of the Zographou Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated November 3 ; Apostle Hermes of the Seventy, Commemorated November 5 ; St Theophilus the Confessor of Bulgaria; Righteous Michael the soldier of Potouka, Bulgaria, Commemorated November 22 ; Hieromartyr Gregory (Peradze) of Georgia, Commemorated November 23 ; St Clement the Bishop of Ochrid and Enlightener of the Bulgarians, Commemorated on November 25 ; Venerable Nectarius of Bitolya and Mt Athos, Commemorated December 5 ; Venerable Daniel the Stylite of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 11 ; Venerable Luke the New Stylite of Chalcedon, Commemorated on December 11; Venerable Nectarius of Bitolya and Mt Athos; St Nectarius of Bite, Commemorated December 15 ; New-martyr John of Thasos, Commemorated December 20 ; Venerable Nicholas the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated December 24 ; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; St Sava I, First Archbishop of Serbia, Commemorated January 12 ; St Prochorus the Abbot in the Vranski Desert on the river Pshina in Bulgaria, Commemorated January 15 ; Venerable Gabriel, Founder of Lesnov Monastery in Bulgaria, Commemorated January 15 ; Hieromartyr Damascene of Hilandar of Mt Athos, Commemorated January 16 ; Venerable Romilus of Ravenica, Commemorated January 16 ; Martyr Inna, Disciples of the Apostle Andrew, in Scythia, Commemorated January 20 ; St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated January 21 ; Martyr Manuel the Bishop in Bulgaria, Commemorated January 22 ; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 25 ; Blessed Peter the King of Bulgaria, Commemorated January 30 ; St Demetrius, the New Martyr of Sliven, Commemorated January 30 ; Icon of the Mother of God "Sokolsky", Commemorated February 1 ; St Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 6; Venerable Luke of Hellas, Commemorated on February 7 ; St John Chimchimeli the Philosopher, Commemorated on February 10 ; Venerable Stephen (In Monasticism Simeon), the Myrrhgusher and Prince of Serbia, Commemorated on February 13; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869) ; Greatmartyr Theodore the Tyro (ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Âœthe RecruitÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ), Commemorated on February 17; St John Chimchimeli the Philosopher; St Theodosius the Bulgarian, with his disciple Romanos, Commemorated February 17 ; Martyr Maximus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated February 19; St John the New Martyr of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 5; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 8; St Cyril the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 18; Monkmartyr Euthymius of Prodromou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on March 22; Martyr Enravota - Boyan, the Prince of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 28; Repose of St Jonah the Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia, Commemorated on March 31; Martyr Abraham of Bulgaria, Commemorated on April 1; St Methodius, Equal of the Apostles and Archbishop of Moravia, Enlightener of the Slavs, Commemorated on April 6; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8; New Martyr Raphael of Lesbos, Commemorated on April 9; St Boris (in Holy Baptism Michael), Equal of the Apostles, Prince and Baptizer of Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 2 ; Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Methodius, Commemorated on May 11; St Boris (in Holy Baptism Michael), Equal of the Apostles, Prince and Baptizer of Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 2; Venerable Isaac the Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on March 22; Martyr Enravota - Boyan, the Prince of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 28; Venerable Hypatius the Abbot of Rufinus in Chalcedon, Commemorated on March 31; Martyr Abraham of Bulgaria, Commemorated on April 1; Martyr Pausilippus of Heraclea in Thrace, Commemorated on April 8; Martyr Sava the Goth of Wallachia, Commemorated on April 15; Monkmartyr Agathangelus of Esphigmenou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 19; Venerable Theodore Trichinas ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Âœthe Hair-Shirt WearerÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ and Hermit Near Constantinople, Commemorated on April 20; Martyr Pasikrates in Moesia, Bulgaria, Commemorated on April 24; St Sava Brancovici the Metropolitan of Ardeal, and the Confessor of Romania, Commemorated on April 24; Martyr Dada at Dorostolum, Commemorated on April 28 ; New Martyr Acacius the Martyr of Mt Athos and Seres, Commemorated on May 1; New Martyr Euthymius of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; New Martyr Ignatius the Martyr of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; Right-believing Tamara, Queen of Georgia, Commemorated on May 1; New Martyr Ephraim, Commemorated on May 5; Hieromartyr Mocius the Presbyter of Amphipolis in Macedonia, Commemorated on May 11; Martyr Alexander of Rome, Commemorated on May 13; St Achilles the Bishop of Larissa, Commemorated on May 15 ; Venerable Macarius the Archimandrite of Obruch (Kanev), Commemorated on May 13; St John-Vladimir the Prince of Bulgaria, the Greatmartyr and Miracle-worker, Commemorated on May 22; Greatmartyr George the New at Sofia, Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 26; Venerable Isaac the Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on May 30 ; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 31 ; Martyr Sophia of Thrace, Commemorated on June 4; Martyrs of Niculitsel, Commemorated on June 4; Hieromartyr Dorotheus the Bishop of Tyre, Commemorated on June 5; Venerable Peter of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on June 12 ; St Ephraim the Bulgarian, Patriarch of Serbia, Commemorated on June 15; Translation of the relics of St Theodore the Sykeote, Commemorated on June 15; Martyr Zosimus the Soldier at Antioch, in Pisidia, Commemorated on June 19; Venerable Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19 ; St Nahum of Ochrid, the Disciple of SS Cyril and Methodius, Equals of the Apostles, Commemorated on June 20; Hieromartyr Eusebius the Bishop of Samosata, Commemorated on June 22; Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on June 26; ISABEL FLORENCE HAPGOOD, ECUMENIST and JOURNALIST, 1929, Commemorated June 26 ; Translation of the relics of the Venerable John of Rila from Trnovo to Rila, Commemorated on July 1; Venerable Peter of Constantinople, Commemorated on July 1; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Bulgaria (Sophia)
Bulgaria; Equal of the Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, in Holy Baptism Basil, the Enlightener of the Russian Land, Commemorated on July 15 ; Martyr Emilian of Silistria in Bulgaria, Commemorated on July 18; Hieromartyr Apollinaris the Bishop of Ravenna, Commemorated on July 23; Equal of the Apostles Clement of Ochrid the Bishop of Greater Macedonia, Commemorated on July 27 ; Venerable Isaac the Ascetic of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on August 3; New Martyr Triandaphyllus of Stara Zagora, Commemorated on August 8 ; Venerable Gregory of Sinai, Mt. Athos, Commemorated on August 8; Translation of the relics of St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on August 13; Repose of the Venerable John the Abbot of Rila, Commemorated on August 18 ; Hieromartyr Philip the Bishop of Heraclea, Commemorated August 20 ; Martyr Severus and 38 Soldiers in Thrace, Commemorated on August 20; Martyr Agathonicus of Nicomedia, and others who suffered under Maximian, Commemorated on August 22; St Barses the Confessor, Commemorated August 25 ; St Liberius the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 27 ; St Anastasius of the Strumitza Eparchy, Commemorated on August 29; Translation of the relics of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated August 30 ; 40 Women Martyrs at Heraclea, in Thrace, Commemorated September 1 ; Hieromartyr Cornelius the Centurion, Commemorated on September 13; Venerable Hierotheus the Younger of Iveron of Mt Athos, Commemorated on September 13; Repose of St. Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on September 14; Greatmartyr Nicetas the Goth, Commemorated on September 15 ; Martyr Theodotus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated on September 15 ; Martyr Melitina of Marcianopolis, Commemorated September 16 ; St Sebastiana the Martyr and Disciple of St Paul the Apostle at Heraclea, Commemorated September 16 ; Venerable Cosmas the Bulgarian of Zographou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on September 21; Venerable John (Koukouzelis) the Hymnographer of Mt. Athos, Albania, Commemorated October 1 ; Translation of the relics of St Hilarion the Bishop of Meglin in Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 21 ; Venerable Pimen the Bulgarian of the Zographou Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated November 3 ; Apostle Hermes of the Seventy, Commemorated November 5 ; Righteous Michael the soldier of Potouka, Bulgaria, Commemorated November 22 ; Hieromartyr Gregory (Peradze) of Georgia, Commemorated November 23 ; St Clement the Bishop of Ochrid and Enlightener of the Bulgarians, Commemorated on November 25 ; Icon of the Mother of God of Damascus, Commemorated on December 4 ; Venerable Nectarius of Bitolya and Mt Athos, Commemorated December 5 ; St Gregory Palamas the Archbishop of Thessalonica; St Nectarius of Bite, Commemorated December 15 ; Venerable Nicholas the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated December 24 ; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; St Sava I, First Archbishop of Serbia, Commemorated January 12 ; St Prochorus the Abbot in the Vranski Desert on the river Pshina in Bulgaria, Commemorated January 15 ; Venerable Gabriel, Founder of Lesnov Monastery in Bulgaria, Commemorated January 15 ; Hieromartyr Damascene of Hilandar of Mt Athos, Commemorated January 16 ; Venerable Romilus of Ravenica, Commemorated January 16 ; Martyr Inna, Disciples of the Apostle Andrew, in Scythia, Commemorated January 20 ; Martyr Manuel the Bishop in Bulgaria, Commemorated January 22; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 25 ; Blessed Peter the King of Bulgaria, Commemorated January 30 ; St Demetrius, the New Martyr of Sliven, Commemorated January 30 ; Icon of the Mother of God "Sokolsky", Commemorated February 1 ; St Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 6; Venerable Luke of Hellas, Commemorated on February 7 ; St John Chimchimeli the Philosopher, Commemorated on February 10 ; Venerable Stephen (In Monasticism Simeon), the Myrrhgusher and Prince of Serbia, Commemorated on February 13; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869) ; Greatmartyr Theodore the Tyro (ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Âœthe RecruitÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ), Commemorated on February 17; St Theodosius the Bulgarian, with his disciple Romanos, Commemorated February 17 ; Martyr Maximus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated February 19; St John the New Martyr of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 5; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 8; St Cyril the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 18; Monkmartyr Euthymius of Prodromou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on March 22; Venerable Isaac the Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on March 22; Martyr Enravota - Boyan, the Prince of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 28; Repose of St Jonah the Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia, Commemorated on March 31; Venerable Hypatius the Abbot of Rufinus in Chalcedon, Commemorated on March 31; Martyr Abraham of Bulgaria, Commemorated on April 1; St Methodius, Equal of the Apostles and Archbishop of Moravia, Enlightener of the Slavs, Commemorated on April 6; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8; Martyr Pausilippus of Heraclea in Thrace, Commemorated on April 8; New Martyr Raphael of Lesbos, Commemorated on April 9; Martyr Sava the Goth of Wallachia, Commemorated on April 15; Monkmartyr Agathangelus of Esphigmenou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 19; Venerable Theodore Trichinas ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Âœthe Hair-Shirt WearerÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ and Hermit Near Constantinople, Commemorated on April 20; Martyr Pasikrates in Moesia, Bulgaria, Commemorated on April 24; St Sava Brancovici the Metropolitan of Ardeal, and the Confessor of Romania, Commemorated on April 24; Martyr Dada at Dorostolum, Commemorated on April 28 ; New Martyr Acacius the Martyr of Mt Athos and Seres, Commemorated on May 1; New Martyr Euthymius of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; New Martyr Ignatius the Martyr of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; Right-believing Tamara, Queen of Georgia, Commemorated on May 1; St Boris (in Holy Baptism Michael), Equal of the Apostles, Prince and Baptizer of Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 2 ; New Martyr Ephraim, Commemorated on May 5; Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Methodius, Commemorated on May 11; Hieromartyr Mocius the Presbyter of Amphipolis in Macedonia, Commemorated on May 11; Martyr Alexander of Rome, Commemorated on May 13; Venerable Macarius the Archimandrite of Obruch (Kanev), Commemorated on May 13; St Achilles the Bishop of Larissa, Commemorated on May 15 ; St John-Vladimir the Prince of Bulgaria, the Greatmartyr and Miracle-worker, Commemorated on May 22; Greatmartyr George the New at Sofia, Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 26; Venerable Isaac the Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on May 30 ; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 31 ; Martyr Sophia of Thrace, Commemorated on June 4; Martyrs of Niculitsel, Commemorated on June 4; Hieromartyr Dorotheus the Bishop of Tyre, Commemorated on June 5; Venerable Peter of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on June 12 ; St Ephraim the Bulgarian, Patriarch of Serbia, Commemorated on June 15; Translation of the relics of St Theodore the Sykeote, Commemorated on June 15; Martyr Zosimus the Soldier at Antioch, in Pisidia, Commemorated on June 19; Venerable Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19 ; St Nahum of Ochrid, the Disciple of SS Cyril and Methodius, Equals of the Apostles, Commemorated on June 20; Hieromartyr Eusebius the Bishop of Samosata, Commemorated on June 22; Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on June 26; ISABEL FLORENCE HAPGOOD, ECUMENIST and JOURNALIST, 1929, Commemorated June 26 ; Venerable Peter of Constantinople, Commemorated on July 1; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Bulgaria, Old Great Bulgaria
Bulgaria, Old Great Bulgaria; Martyr Abraham of Bulgaria, Commemorated on April 1;

Bulgaria, 480BC-46AD, Odrysian kingdom
Bulgaria, 480BC-46AD, Odrysian kingdom ; Bulgaria, 46-681, Roman Times;

Bulgaria, 46-681, Roman Times
Bulgaria, 46-681, Roman Times;

Bulgaria, 681-1018, First Bulgarian Empire
Bulgaria, 681-1018, First Bulgarian Empire ; St John-Vladimir the Prince of Bulgaria, the Greatmartyr and Miracle-worker, Commemorated on May 22;

Bulgaria, 1185-1422, Second Bulgarian Empire
Bulgaria, 1185-1422, Second Bulgarian Empire; St Philothea of Thrace, the Protectress of Romania, Commemorated on December 7;

Bulgaria, 1362-1919, Caliphates, Ottoman, Turk, first based in Adrianople
Ottoman Caliphate, first based in Adrianople, 1362-1919 (The Turks);

Bulgarian History Folder

Bulgaria, 480BC-46AD Folder, Odrysian kingdom

Bulgaria, 30-681, Folder, Roman Times

Bulgaria, 000, 1st Century, Apostles Andrew, Herman, Centurion Cornelius

Bulgaria, 46, Andrew first called, to Thrace Bulgaria, Patra, Danube, Black Sea, Crimea, Dniepr, Kiev, Novgorod, Sinope
Russia,Kiev, 30-70, Andrew t Apostle, first called, Peter's bro, J t Forerunner's closest disciple w J t Theologian, f Bethsaida, fisherman, sent to Jesus, to Asia M, Thrace, Macedonia, Danube, Black Sea, Crimea, Dniepr, Kiev, Novgorod, Byzantium, Rome, Sinope, Patra, miracles w preaching, crucified ; Kiev, 1st Century, Saint Andrew the Apostle; Apostle Andrew, the Holy and All-Praised First-Called, Commemorated on November 30; Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called was the first of the Apostles to follow Christ, he later brought his own brother, the holy Apostle Peter, to Christ (John 1:35-42). future apostle was from Bethsaida, and from his youth he turned with all his soul to God. did not enter into marriage, he worked with his brother as a fisherman. the holy Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John began to preach, Saint Andrew became his closest disciple. Christ to be the Lamb of God, Saint John the Baptist himself sent to Christ his own two disciples, the future Apostles Andrew and John the Theologian. the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, Saint Andrew went to the Eastern lands preaching the Word of God. went through Asia Minor, Thrace, Macedonia, he reached the River Danube, went along the coast of the Black Sea, through Crimea, the Black Sea region and along the River Dniepr he climbed to the place where the city of Kiev now stands. stopped overnight on the hills of Kiev. Rising in the morning, he said to those disciples that were with him: “See these hills? Upon these hills shall shine forth the beneficence of God, and there will be a great city here, and God shall raise up many churches.” apostle went up around the hills, blessed them and set up a cross. prayed, he went up even further along the Dniepr and reached a settlement of the Slavs, where Novgorod was built. here the apostle went through the land of the Varangians towards Rome for preaching, again he returned to Thrace, where in the small village of Byzantium, the future Constantinople, he founded the Church of Christ. name of the holy Apostle Andrew links the mother, the Church of Constantinople, with her daughter, the Russian Church. his journeys the First-Called Apostle endured many sufferings and torments from pagans: they cast him out of their cities and they beat him. Sinope they pelted him with stones, but remaining unharmed, the persistent disciple of Christ continued to preach to people about the Savior. the prayers of the Apostle, the Lord worked miracles. By the labors of the holy Apostle Andrew, Christian Churches were established, for which he provided bishops and clergy. final city to which the Apostle came was the city of Patra, where he was destined to suffer martyrdom. Lord worked many miracles through His disciple in Patra. The infirm were made whole, and the blind received their sight. the prayers of the Apostle, the illustrious citizen Sosios recovered from serious illness and Maximilla and Stratokles, the wife and brother of the governor of Patra, were healed. miracles accomplished by the Apostle and his fiery speech enlightened almost all the citizens of the city of Patra with the true Faith. pagans remained at Patra, but among them was the prefect of the city, Aegeatos. The Apostle Andrew repeatedly turned to him with the words of the Gospel. But even the miracles of the Apostle did not convince Aegeatos. holy Apostle with love and humility appealed to his soul, striving to reveal to him the Christian mystery of life eternal, through the wonderworking power of the Holy Cross of the Lord. angry Aegeatos gave orders to crucify the apostle. The pagan thought he might undo Saint Andrew’s preaching if he were to put him to death on the cross. Andrew the First-Called accepted the decision of the prefect with joy and with prayer to the Lord, went willingly to the place of execution. order to prolong the suffering of the saint, Aegeatos gave orders not to nail the saint’s hands and feet, but to tie them to the cross. For two days the apostle taught the citizens who gathered about. people, in listening to him, with all their souls pitied him and tried to take Saint Andrew down from the cross. a riot of the people, Aegeatos gave orders to stop the execution. the holy apostle began to pray that the Lord would grant him death on the cross. as the soldiers tried to take hold of the Apostle Andrew, they lost control of their hands. crucified apostle, having given glory to God, said: “Lord Jesus Christ, receive my spirit.” a blazing ray of divine light illumined the cross and the martyr crucified upon it. When the light faded, the holy Apostle Andrew had already given up his holy soul to the Lord. the wife of the prefect, had the body of the saint taken down from the cross, and buried him with honor. few centuries later, under the emperor Constantine the Great, the relics of the holy Apostle Andrew were solemnly transferred to Constantinople and placed in the church of the Holy Apostles beside the relics of the holy Evangelist Luke and Saint Paul’s disciple Saint Timothy.

Bulgaria, 41-54, Cornelius, Centurion, Peter, sheet, eat everything, salvation, Skepsis, idols, earthquake, wife and c
Palestine Centurion, 1st Century, Cornelius the Centurion; was a Roman centurion who is considered by Christians to be the first Gentile to convert to the faith, as related in Acts of the Apostles (see Ethiopian eunuch for the competing tradition). The baptism of Cornelius is an important event in the history of the early Christian church. account[edit] was a centurion in the Cohors II Italica Civium Romanorum, mentioned as Cohors Italica in the Vulgate.[2][3] He was stationed in Caesarea, the capital of Roman Iudaea province.[4] He is depicted in the New Testament as a God-fearing man[5] who always prayed and was full of good works and deeds of alms. Cornelius receives a vision in which an angel of God tells him that his prayers have been heard; he understands that he has been chosen for a higher alternative. The angel then instructs Cornelius to send the men of his household to Joppa, where they will find Simon Peter, who is residing with a tanner by the name of Simon (Acts 10:5ff). conversion of Cornelius comes after a separate vision given to Simon Peter himself (Acts 10:10–16). In the vision, Simon Peter sees all manner of beasts and fowl being lowered from Heaven in a sheet. A voice commands Simon Peter to eat. When he objects to eating those animals that are unclean according to Mosaic Law, the voice tells him not to call unclean that which God has cleansed.[6] Cornelius' men arrive, Simon Peter understands that through this vision the Lord commanded the Apostle to preach the Word of God to the Gentiles. Peter accompanies Cornelius' men back to Caesarea.[6] When Cornelius meets Simon Peter, he falls at Peter's feet. Simon Peter raises the centurion and the two men share their visions. Simon Peter tells of Jesus' ministry and the Resurrection; the Holy Spirit descends on everyone at the gathering. The Jews among the group are amazed that Cornelius and other uncircumcised should begin speaking in tongues, praising God. Thereupon Simon Peter commands that Cornelius and his followers, "kinsmen and near friends", be baptized.[7] The controversial aspect of Gentile conversion is taken up later at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15). situation of Judea[edit] into account that Judea had been within the Hellenic orbit since the conquest of Alexander the Great, there was time for wise men and philosophers, both Greek and Jewish, to exchange knowledge, thus beginning the syncretism between Hellenism and Judaism, a phenomenon that occurred in the rest of his empire. Later with the arrival of the Romans (already Hellenized), there were no problems of religious tolerance (except in the case of the Zealots), since thanks to the interpretatio graeca exported by the Macedonians, it was possible to identify Caelus (Roman god) or Uranus (his Greek equivalent) and Yahweh as the Supreme God himself, allowing conversion cases like Cornelius.[8][9][10] this painting by Gerbrand van den Eeckhout an angel appears to the Roman centurion Cornelius. The angel tells him to seek out St. Peter.[11] The Walters Art Museum. any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? — Acts 10:47 Cornelius is considered to be one of the first Gentiles converted to Christianity.[12] baptism of Cornelius is an important event in the history of the early Christian church, along with the conversion and baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch. The Christian church was first formed around the original disciples and followers of Jesus, all of whom, including Jesus himself, were Galilean, except for Judas, who was Judean. All males in the Judean community were Jews: they were circumcised and observed the Law of Moses. The reception of Cornelius sparked a debate among the leaders of the new community of followers of Jesus, culminating in the decision to allow Gentiles to become Christians without conforming to Jewish requirements for circumcision, as recounted in Acts 15. Certain traditions hold Cornelius as becoming either the first bishop of Caesarea, or the bishop of Scepsis in Mysia.[4][7] feast day on the new Martyrologium Romanum is 20 October. He is commemorated in the Orthodox tradition on 13 September.[6] is honored[13] with a Lesser Feast on the liturgical calendar of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America[14] on January 4.[15] When Governors Island in New York City was a military installation, the Episcopal Church maintained a stone chapel there dedicated to him.[16] Greek-French philosopher Cornelius Castoriadis is named after him.[17] Martyr Demetrius with his wife and son, at Skepsis on the Hellespont, Commemorated on September 11 ; Hieromartyr Cornelius the Centurion, Commemorated September 13 ; Hieromartyr Cornelius the Centurion: Soon after the sufferings of the Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross and His Ascension into Heaven, a centurion by the name of Cornelius settled at Caesarea in Palestine. He had lived previously in Thracian Italy. Although he was a pagan, he distinguished himself by deep piety and good deeds, as the holy Evangelist Luke says (Acts 10:1). The Lord did not disdain his virtuous life, and so led him to the knowledge of truth and to faith in Christ. Cornelius was praying in his home. An angel of God appeared to him and said that his prayer had been heard and accepted by God. The angel commande him to send people to Joppa to find Simon, also called Peter. Cornelius immediately fulfilled the command. those people were on their way to Joppa, the Apostle Peter was at prayer, and he had a vision: three times a great sheet was lowered down to him, filled with all kinds of beasts and fowl. He heard a voice from Heaven commanding him to eat everything. When the apostle refused to eat food which Jewish Law regarded as unclean, the voice said: “What God hath cleansed, you must not call common” (Acts 10:15). this vision the Lord commanded the Apostle Peter to preach the Word of God to the pagans. When the Apostle Peter arrived at the house of Cornelius in the company of those sent to meet him, he was received with great joy and respect by the host together with his kinsmen and comrades. fell down at the feet of the apostle and requested to be taught the way of salvation. Saint Peter talked about the earthly life of Jesus Christ, and spoke of the miracles and signs worked by the Savior, and of His teachings about the Kingdom of Heaven. Then Saint Peter told him of the Lord’s death on the Cross, His Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven. By the grace of the Holy Spirit, Cornelius believed in Christ and was baptized with all his family. He was the first pagan to receive Baptism. retired from the world and went preaching the Gospel together with the Apostle Peter, who made him a bishop. When the Apostle Peter, together with his helpers Saints Timothy and Cornelius, was in the city of Ephesus, he learned of a particularly vigorous idol-worship in the city of Skepsis. Lots were drawn to see who would go there, and Saint Cornelius was chosen. the city lived a prince by the name of Demetrius, learned in the ancient Greek philosophy, hating Christianity and venerating the pagan gods, in particular Apollo and Zeus. Learning about the arrival of Saint Cornelius in the city, he immediately summoned him and asked him the reason for his coming. Saint Cornelius answered that he came to free him from the darkness of ignorance and lead him to knowledge of the True Light. prince, not comprehending the meaning of what was said, became angry and demanded that he answer each of his questions. When Saint Cornelius explained that he served the Lord and that the reason for his coming was to announce the Truth, the prince became enraged and demanded that Cornelius offer sacrifice to the idols. saint asked to be shown the gods. When he entered the pagan temple, Cornelius turned towards the east and uttered a prayer to the Lord. There was an earthquake, and the temple of Zeus and the idols situated in it were destroyed. All the populace, seeing what had happened, were terrified. prince was even more vexed and began to take counsel together with those approaching him, about how to destroy Cornelius. They bound the saint and took him to prison for the night. At this point, one of his servants informed the prince that his wife and child had perished beneath the rubble of the destroyed temple. a certain while, one of the pagan priests, by the name of Barbates, reported that he heard the voice of the wife and son somewhere in the ruins and that they were praising the God of the Christians. The pagan priest asked that the imprisoned one be released, in gratitude for the miracle worked by Saint Cornelius, and the wife and son of the prince remained alive. joyful prince hastened to the prison in the company of those about him, declaring that he believed in Christ and asking him to bring his wife and son out of the ruins of the temple. Saint Cornelius went to the destroyed temple, and through prayer the suffering were freed. this the prince Demetrius, and all his relatives and comrades accepted holy Baptism. Saint Cornelius lived for a long time in this city, converted all the pagan inhabitants to Christ, and made Eunomios a presbyter in service to the Lord. Saint Cornelius died in old age and was buried not far from the pagan temple he destroyed.

Bulgaria, 30-70, Apostle Hermes of the Seventy, Bishop of Philippopolis on the Roman Road Via Militarius
Bulgaria, 30-70, Apostle Hermes of the Seventy; Holy Apostle Hermas of the Seventy was bishop at Philippopolis, and died a martyr in the first century. In the Epistle to the Romans, the holy Apostle Paul commands the Romans to greet Hermas (Rom 16:14) (Rom 16:14). Apostle Hermes of the Seventy, Commemorated November 5 ; Saints Patrobus, Hermes, Linus, Gaius, and Philologus, Apostles of the Seventy, preached the Gospel in various cities, each enduring various hardships in their service as bishops. Saint Patrobus (Rom 16:14) was Bishop of Neopolis (now Naples) and Puteoli in Italy. Saint Hermes was bishop in the city of Philippoplis where he died a martyr. Saint Linus (2 Tim 4:21) was a successor to the Apostle Peter at Rome. Saint Gaius (Rom 16:23), was Bishop of Ephesus after Saint Timothy. The Apostle Andrew consecrated Saint Philologus (Rom 16:15) as bishop of the city of Sinope (in the Black Sea region). Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; no longer there at OCA Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 8; Hermes is mentioned by the Holy Apostle Paul in his Epistle to the Romans (16:14). According to Tradition, he was the Bishop of Dalmatia and reposed in peace. In the Synaxarion of Hippolyte Delehaye (1902) he is called Ermylos. In the Paris Codex 13 f. 296 he is listed on April 8 along with with Herodion, Asynkritos (Bishop of Hyrkania in Asia), Phlegon (Bishop of Marathon), Rufus and his mother (whom Saint Paul refers to as his mother, as well), Epaphras, and Agabos. Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 31 ; Holy Apostle Hermas was a bishop in Philippopolis, Thrace. He was a Greek, but he spent some time in Rome. The holy Apostle Paul greets him in the Epistle to the Romans (Rom 16:14). The Apostle Hermas endured much grief from the pagans for preaching the Gospel, but he died in peace. to Tradition, Saint Hermas is the author of The Shepherd, an instructive book based on revelations from angels.

Bulgaria, 46-60, Inna, Pinna and Rimma, Andrew's disciples, baptized many, killed b ice choking neck
Bulgaria, 46-60, Inna, Pinna and Rimma, Northern Scythia or Modern Bulgaria, disciples oAndrew tFirst Called, they preached and baptized many, local chieftain tried to get them to Idol sacrifice, horsecarts on frozen rivers, tied them tLogs on the ice, gradually lowered them into freezing water, ice reaching necks killed them Martyrs Inna, Pinna, and Rimma, disciples of the Apostle Andrew, in Scythia, Commemorated on January 20; Holy Martyrs Inna, Pinna and Rimma were Slavs from northern Scythia (modern Bulgaria), they were disciples of the holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called. preached the Gospel of Christ and they baptized many barbarians who converted to the true Faith. were seized by the local chieftain, but they would not deny Christ, nor would they offer sacrifice to idols. was wintertime, and the rivers were so frozen that not only people, but also horses with carts could travel on the ice. chieftain had the saints tied to logs on the ice, and gradually lowered them into the freezing water. the ice reached their necks, they surrendered their blessed souls to the Lord. Martyr Inna the Disciple of Apostle Andrew in Scythia, Commemorated on June 20; transfer of the relics of Saints Inna, Pinna, and Rimma to Alushta took place during the first-second centuries. holy martyrs are also commemorated on January 20.

Bulgaria, 100, 2nd Century Folder, Virginmartyr Glyceria at Heraclea

Bulgaria, 177, Virginmartyr Glyceria at Heraclea Sintica & Trajanopolis, Thrace, Great Story wAngels, Lions & Myrrh
Bulgaria, 177, Virginmartyr Glyceria at Heraclea Sintica, Thrace, Trajanopolis, Thrace, orderted to worship Zeus she resolved to suffer, wCross painted on her head, prayer thunder Zeus destroyed, stones not touch G, prison, encouragement fPhilokrates, Angel appeared during torture, again at prison brought food drink, prison sealed many days, alive and well, brought to Heracula, strenghened by Bishop Dometius, red hot furnace, fire extinguished, rip skin from head, into prison over sharp stones, angel healed wounds at night, Jailer Laodicius did not recognize her, L chained wG, told G story, L beheaded, G sentenced eaten wild beasts, went wJoy, but lion lay at feet, G prayed to be taken, voice from heaven, another lioness killed her without tearing, relics glorified wFlow Healing Myrrh; Heraclea Sintica; Virginmartyr Glyceria at Heraclea, Commemorated on May 13; Glyceria suffered as a martyr for her faith in Christ in the second century, during a persecution against Christians under the emperor Antoninus (138-161). She came from an illustrious family, and her father Macarius was a high-ranking Roman official. Later, the family moved to the Thracian city of Trajanopolis. Glyceria lost both her father and mother at an early age. Falling in with Christians, she converted to the true Faith, and she visited the church every day. the prefect of Trajanopolis, received the imperial edict ordering Christians to offer sacrifice to the idols, and so he designated a certain day for the inhabitants of the city to worship the idol Zeus. Glyceria firmly resolved to suffer for Christ. She told the Christians of her intention, and she begged them to pray that the Lord would give her the strength to undergo the sufferings. the appointed day Saint Glyceria made the Sign of the Cross on her forehead, and went into the pagan temple. saint stood on a raised spot in the rays of the sun, and removed the veil from her head, showing the holy Cross traced on her forehead. She prayed fervently to God to bring the pagans to their senses and destroy the stone idol of Zeus. Suddenly thunder was heard, and the statue of Zeus crashed to the floor and smashed into little pieces. a rage, the prefect Sabinus and the pagan priests commanded the people to pelt Saint Glyceria with stones, but the stones did not touch the saint. They locked Saint Glyceria in prison, where the Christian priest Philokrates came to her and encouraged the martyr in the struggle before her. the morning, when the tortures had started, suddenly an angel appeared in the midst of the torturers, and they fell to the ground, overcome with terror. When the vision vanished, Sabinus, who was hardly able to speak, ordered them to throw the saint into prison. shut the door securely and sealed it with the prefect’s own ring, so that no one could get in to her. she was in prison, angels of God brought Saint Glyceria food and drink. Many days afterwards, Sabinus came to the prison and he himself removed the seal. Going in to the saint, he was shaken when he saw her alive and well. off for the city of Heraclea in Thrace, Sabinus gave orders to bring Saint Glyceria there also. The Christians of Heraclea came out to meet her with Bishop Dometius at their head, and he prayed that the Lord would strengthen the saint to endure martyrdom. Heraclea they cast Saint Glyceria into a red-hot furnace, but the fire was extinguished at once. Then the prefect, in a mindless fury, gave orders to rip the skin from Saint Glyceria’s head. Then they threw the martyr into prison onto sharp stones. She prayed incessantly, and at midnight an angel appeared in the prison and healed her of her wounds. the jailer Laodicius came for the saint in the morning, he did not recognize her. that the martyr had been taken away, he feared he would be punished for letting her escape. wanted to kill himself, but Saint Glyceria stopped him. by the miracle, Laodicius believed in the true God, and he entreated the saint to pray that he might suffer and die for Christ with her. “Follow Christ and you will be saved,” the holy martyr replied. placed upon himself the chains with which the saint was bound, and at the trial he told the prefect and everyone present about the miraculous healing of Saint Glyceria by an angel, then he confessed himself a Christian. newly chosen one of God was beheaded by the sword. Christians secretly took up his remains, and reverently buried them. Glyceria was sentenced to be eaten by wild beasts. She went to execution with great joy, but the lioness set loose upon the saint meekly crawled up to her and lay at her feet. the saint prayed to the Lord, imploring that He take her unto Himself. answer she heard a Voice from Heaven, summoning her to heavenly bliss. that moment, another lioness was set loose upon the saint. It pounced upon the martyr and killed her, but did not tear her apart. Dometius and the Christians of Heraclea reverently buried the holy martyr Glyceria. She suffered for Christ around the year 177. Her holy relics were glorified with a flow of healing myrrh. Glyceria, whose name means “sweetness,” now rejoices in the unending sweetness of the heavenly Kingdom.

Bulgaria, 177, Laodicius tKeeper oGlyceria's Prison, Heraclea Sintica, Thrace, Bulgaria, told her story, converted, beheaded
Bulgaria, 177, Laodicius the Keeper of Glyceria's Prison, Heraclea Sintica, Thrace, Bulgaria (Strumitza Mouth, Strymon River 9), told her story, converted, beheaded; Heraclea Sintica; Martyr Laodicius the Keeper of the Prison, Commemorated on May 13; Glyceria was tortured at Heraclea in Thrace during a persecution against Christians under the emperor Antoninus martyr was then thrown into prison onto sharp stones. She prayed incessantly, and at midnight an angel appeared in the prison and healed her of her wounds. the jailer Laodicius came for the saint in the morning, he did not recognize her. Thinking that the martyr had been taken away, he feared he would be punished for letting her escape. He wanted to kill himself, but Saint Glyceria stopped him. by the miracle, Laodicius believed in the true God, and he entreated the saint to pray that he might suffer and die for Christ with her. “Follow Christ and you will be saved,” the holy martyr replied. placed upon himself the chains with which the saint was bound, and at the trial he told the prefect and everyone present about the miraculous healing of Saint Glyceria by an angel, then he confessed himself a Christian. newly chosen one of God was beheaded by the sword. Christians secretly took up his remains, and reverently buried them. Virginmartyr Glyceria at Heraclea, Commemorated on May 13; Glyceria suffered as a martyr for her faith in Christ in the second century, during a persecution against Christians under the emperor Antoninus (138-161). She came from an illustrious family, and her father Macarius was a high-ranking Roman official. Later, the family moved to the Thracian city of Trajanopolis. Glyceria lost both her father and mother at an early age. Falling in with Christians, she converted to the true Faith, and she visited the church every day. Sabinus, the prefect of Trajanopolis, received the imperial edict ordering Christians to offer sacrifice to the idols, and so he designated a certain day for the inhabitants of the city to worship the idol Zeus. Glyceria firmly resolved to suffer for Christ. She told the Christians of her intention, and she begged them to pray that the Lord would give her the strength to undergo the sufferings. On the appointed day Saint Glyceria made the Sign of the Cross on her forehead, and went into the pagan temple. saint stood on a raised spot in the rays of the sun, and removed the veil from her head, showing the holy Cross traced on her forehead. She prayed fervently to God to bring the pagans to their senses and destroy the stone idol of Zeus. Suddenly thunder was heard, and the statue of Zeus crashed to the floor and smashed into little pieces. a rage, the prefect Sabinus and the pagan priests commanded the people to pelt Saint Glyceria with stones, but the stones did not touch the saint. They locked Saint Glyceria in prison, where the Christian priest Philokrates came to her and encouraged the martyr in the struggle before her. the morning, when the tortures had started, suddenly an angel appeared in the midst of the torturers, and they fell to the ground, overcome with terror. When the vision vanished, Sabinus, who was hardly able to speak, ordered them to throw the saint into prison. shut the door securely and sealed it with the prefect’s own ring, so that no one could get in to her. While she was in prison, angels of God brought Saint Glyceria food and drink. Many days afterwards, Sabinus came to the prison and he himself removed the seal. Going in to the saint, he was shaken when he saw her alive and well. off for the city of Heraclea in Thrace, Sabinus gave orders to bring Saint Glyceria there also. The Christians of Heraclea came out to meet her with Bishop Dometius at their head, and he prayed that the Lord would strengthen the saint to endure martyrdom. Heraclea they cast Saint Glyceria into a red-hot furnace, but the fire was extinguished at once. Then the prefect, in a mindless fury, gave orders to rip the skin from Saint Glyceria’s head. Then they threw the martyr into prison onto sharp stones. She prayed incessantly, and at midnight an angel appeared in the prison and healed her of her wounds. the jailer Laodicius came for the saint in the morning, he did not recognize her. Thinking that the martyr had been taken away, he feared he would be punished for letting her escape. He wanted to kill himself, but Saint Glyceria stopped him. Shaken by the miracle, Laodicius believed in the true God, and he entreated the saint to pray that he might suffer and die for Christ with her. “Follow Christ and you will be saved,” the holy martyr replied. Laodicius placed upon himself the chains with which the saint was bound, and at the trial he told the prefect and everyone present about the miraculous healing of Saint Glyceria by an angel, then he confessed himself a Christian. newly chosen one of God was beheaded by the sword. Christians secretly took up his remains, and reverently buried them. Saint Glyceria was sentenced to be eaten by wild beasts. She went to execution with great joy, but the lioness set loose upon the saint meekly crawled up to her and lay at her feet. the saint prayed to the Lord, imploring that He take her unto Himself. In answer she heard a Voice from Heaven, summoning her to heavenly bliss. At that moment, another lioness was set loose upon the saint. It pounced upon the martyr and killed her, but did not tear her apart. Bishop Dometius and the Christians of Heraclea reverently buried the holy martyr Glyceria. She suffered for Christ around the year 177. Her holy relics were glorified with a flow of healing myrrh. Glyceria, whose name means “sweetness,” now rejoices in the unending sweetness of the heavenly Kingdom.

Bulgaria, 200, 3rd Century Folder, Sophia the castle of Roman Emperor

Bulgaria, 284-305, Dasius oDorostolum, chosen to imitate&die as Saturn, he rejected indulgence, &confessed Christ
Bulgaria, 284-305, Dasius oDorostolum, chosen to imitate & die as Saturn, he rejected indulgence, and confessed Christ, custom choose hansome youth, dress fine clothing, royal honors, in public, 30days, wicked deeds immoral pleasures, then put to the sword, sacrifice to Saturn, Dasius most hansome, but he rejected the indulgence & immoral pleasures confessing Christ converting many; Dorostolum (Dorostorum); Martyr Dasius of Dorostorum, Commemorated November 20 ; Holy Martyr Dasius lived during the third century in the city of Dorostorum on the Danube River. inhabitants of the city were preparing for a festival in honor of the pagan god Saturn. custom, thirty days before the celebration they selected a handsome youth, dressed him in fine clothing, accorded him royal honors, and he would go forth in public made up like Saturn. thirty days, he would indulge in wicked deeds and immoral pleasures. On the day of the feast he was brought before the idols and put to the sword as a sacrifice to Saturn. choice of his compatriots fell upon Saint Dasius, since in the city there was not a more handsome youth. of this, the saint said, “If I am fated to die, then it’s better to die for Christ as a Christian.” He openly confessed his faith in Christ before his fellow citizens and refused to take part in the shameful ritual. He denounced the impiety and error of the idolaters and converted many of them to Christ. on the orders of the emperors Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (305-311), he was beheaded after cruel tortures.

Bulgaria, 284-305, Orentios, Thrace, Bulgaria, Orentios killed Hun leader, honors, refused w, brothers exiled Georgia, died on t
Bulgaria, 284-305, Thrace, Bulgaria (Via Militarius, Via Egnatia, Maritza River 8), Orentios killed Scythian (Hun) leader, honors but asked to sac to idols, refused, brothers detained, exiled to Caucasus, all died on trip ; Thrace; Seven Martyred Brothers: Orentius, Pharnacius, Eros, Firmus, Firminus, Cyriacus, and Longinus, in Georgia, Commemorated on June 24; Orentios, Pharnakios, Erotas, Phirmos, Phirminos, Kyriakos, and Longinus were brothers, who were known for their courage and served as soldiers in Thrace during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. a battle with the Scythians, Saint Orentios killed their fierce and intrepid leader, Mararon. He received many honors for this achievement, but then he was asked to participate in a sacrifice that was being offered to the idols in thanksgiving for his victory. The Christian hero absolutely refused to do this, declaring that he had defeated his foe by the power of Jesus Christ, whom he worshiped as the one true God. They did not punish him right away, because of his bravery, but he and his brothers were detained. some time, they were questioned. All seven declared, as with one mouth, that they would remain faithful to Christ until their last breath, and that the Savior would judge them on the Last Day. After saying this, they were sentenced to exile in the Caucasus. after another, the seven brothers died on the journey from their hardships and suffering. but they endured their afflictions without complaint. Erotas was the first to depart this life; he perished at Parembol on June 22. Next, Orentios was thrown into the sea with a stone tied around his neck. Pharnakios reposed on July 3 at Kordila. Phirmos and Phirminos received their heavenly crowns on July 7 at Aspara on the eastern shores of the Black Sea. Kyriakos went to the Lord on July 14 at Ziganeia, and Longinus gave his soul into God's hands on July 28 while on board a ship. The storm-tossed vessel went aground at Pitinda (Pitsnda), and so the last holy martyr was buried there. pray to these holy martyrs to protect us from our enemies. In Greek usage these saints are commemorated on June 25.

Bulgaria, 293-311, Sophia, Castle of Roman emperor Galerius 293-311, Dacian Empire, not Roman E
Galerius, Sophia, Castle of Roman emperor Galerius; accusations[edit] to Lactantius, Galerius affirmed his Dacian identity and avowed himself the enemy of the Roman name once made emperor, even proposing that the empire should be called, not the Roman, but the Dacian Empire, much to the horror of the patricians and senators. Lactantius further states that Galerius exhibited anti-Roman attitude as soon as he had attained the highest power, treating the Roman citizens with ruthless cruelty, like the conquerors treated the conquered, all in the name of the same treatment that the victorious Trajan had applied to the conquered Dacians, forefathers of Galerius, two centuries before.[41] Galerius Valerius Maximianus (c. 258 - May 311) was Roman emperor from 305 to 311. his reign he campaigned, aided by Diocletian, against the Sassanid Empire, sacking their capital Ctesiphon in 299. also campaigned across the Danube against the Carpi, defeating them in 297 and 300. he was a staunch opponent of Christianity, Galerius ended the Diocletianic Persecution when he issued an Edict of Toleration in Serdica in 311. life[edit] was born near Serdica,[14] in Dacia Ripensis, later named Dacia Mediterranea, though some modern scholars consider the strategic site where he later built his palace named after his mother – Felix Romuliana (Gamzigrad) – his birth and funeral place.[12] father was a Thracian and his mother Romula had left Roman Dacia because of the Carpians' attacks.[15][16]: 19  He originally followed his father's occupation, that of a herdsman, where he was nicknamed Armentarius, herdsman. Galerius' father-in-law and senior emperor served with distinction as a soldier under Emperors Aurelian and Probus, and in 293 at the establishment of the Tetrarchy, was designated Caesar along with Constantius Chlorus, receiving in marriage Diocletian's daughter Valeria (later known as Galeria Valeria), and at the same time being entrusted with the care of the Illyrian provinces. a few years campaigning against Sarmatians and Goths on the Danube, he received command of the legions on the eastern imperial limits. Soon after his appointment, Galerius was dispatched to Egypt to fight the rebellious cities Busiris and Coptos.[17] with Persia[edit] See also: Roman relations with the Parthians and Sassanids and Roman–Persian Wars counterinvasion[edit] 294, Narseh, a son of Shapur I, who had been passed over for the Sassanid succession, came into power in Persia. Narseh probably moved to eliminate Bahram III, a young man installed by a noble named Vahunam in the wake of Bahram II's death in 293.[18]: 292 [19]: 69  In early 294, Narseh sent Diocletian the customary package of gifts, but within Persia, he was destroying every trace of his immediate predecessors, erasing their names from public monuments. He sought to identify himself with the warlike reigns of Ardashir (r. 226–41) and Shapur (r. 241–72), who had sacked Roman Antioch and captured Emperor Valerian.[19]: 69–70  295 or 296, Narseh declared war on Rome. He appears to have first invaded western Armenia, retaking the lands delivered to Tiridates in the peace of 287. He occupied the lands there until the following year.[18][20]: 149 [21]: 292 [22] historian Ammianus Marcellinus, circa 320–395, is the only source detailing the initial invasion of Armenia.[23] Southern (1999, 149) dates the invasion to 295; Barnes (1982, 17, 293) mentions an earlier, unsuccessful invasion by Narseh based on the fact that the title Persici Maximi was given to all four emperors; Odahl (2004, 59) concurs with Barnes and suggests that Saracen princes in the Syrian desert collaborated with Narseh's invasion. then moved south into Roman Mesopotamia, where he inflicted a severe defeat on Galerius, then commander of the eastern forces, in the region between Carrhae (Harran, Turkey) and Callinicum (Raqqa, Syria).[21] may or may not have been present at the battle,[18]: 652  but presented himself soon afterwards at Antioch, where the official version of events was made clear: Galerius was to take all the blame for the affair. Antioch, Diocletian forced Galerius to walk a mile in advance of his imperial cart while still clad in the purple robes of an emperor.[18][21]: 292–3  The message conveyed was clear; the loss at Carrhae was not due to the failings of the empire's soldiers, but due to the failings of their commander, and Galerius' failures would not be accepted.[24] Galerius' position at the head of the caravan possibly was merely the conventional organization of an imperial progression, designed to show a Caesar's deference to his Augustus.[25] of Galerius attacking Narseh on the Arch of Galerius at Thessaloniki, Greece, the city where Galerius carried out most of his administrative actions.[20]: 151  army was reinforced probably in the spring of 298 by new contingents collected from the empire's Danubian holdings.[26] did not advance from Armenia and Mesopotamia leaving Galerius to lead the offensive in 298 with an attack on northern Mesopotamia via Armenia.[24] may or may not have been present to assist the campaign.[27] retreated to Armenia to fight Galerius' force, to Narseh's disadvantage; the rugged Armenian terrain was favorable to Roman infantry, but not to Sassanid cavalry. Local aid gave Galerius the advantage of surprise over the Persian forces, and, in two successive battles, Galerius secured victories over Narseh.[24][26] the second encounter, the Battle of Satala in 298, Roman forces seized Narseh's camp, his treasury, his harem, and his wife.[24][26] Narseh's wife would live out the remainder of the war in Daphne, a suburb of Antioch, serving as a constant reminder to the Persians of the Roman victory.[24] advanced into Media and Adiabene, winning continuous victories, most prominently near Theodosiopolis (Erzurum),[20]: 151  securing Nisibis (Nusaybin) before 1 October 298. He moved down the Tigris, taking Ctesiphon, and gazing onwards to the ruins of Babylon before returning to Roman territory via the Euphrates.[26] source ever specifically claims that Ctesiphon was sacked, but it is assumed to have been, primarily due to the seizure of Narseh's wife and harem.[20]: 150  negotiations[edit] had previously sent an ambassador to Galerius to plead for the return of his wife and children, but Galerius had dismissed this ambassador, reminding him of how Shapur had treated Valerian.[26] Romans, in any case, treated Narseh's captured family well perhaps seeking to evoke comparisons to Alexander and his beneficent conduct towards the family of Darius III.[24] negotiations began in the spring of 299, with both Diocletian and Galerius presiding. Their magister memoriae (secretary) Sicorius Probus was sent to Narseh to present terms.[26] conditions of the Peace of Nisibis were heavy:[24] Persia would give up territory to Rome, making the Tigris the boundary between the two empires. terms specified that Armenia was returned to Roman domination with the fort of Ziatha as its border; Caucasian Iberia would pay allegiance to Rome under a Roman appointee; now under Roman rule, would become the sole conduit for trade between Persia and Rome; and Rome would exercise control over the five satrapies between the Tigris and Armenia: Ingilene, Sophanene (Sophene), Arzanene (Aghdznik), Corduene, and Zabdicene (near modern Hakkâri, Turkey). regions included the passage of the Tigris through the Anti-Taurus range; the Bitlis pass, the quickest southerly route into Persian Armenia; and access to the Tur Abdin plateau. these territories, Rome would have an advance station north of Ctesiphon, and would be able to slow any future advance of Persian forces through the region.[28] the terms of the peace, Tiridates would regain both his throne and the entirety of his ancestral claim, and Rome would secure a wide zone of cultural influence in the region.[26] Because the empire was able to sustain such constant warfare on so many fronts, it has been taken as a sign of the essential efficacy of the Diocletianic system and the goodwill of the army towards the tetrarchic enterprise.[20]: 150  as Augustus[edit] of Galerius the elevation of Constantius I and Galerius to the rank of Augustus, two new Caesars were required to take their place. The two persons whom Galerius promoted to the rank of Caesar were very much his creatures, and he hoped to enhance his authority throughout the empire with their elevation.[29] was Maximinus Daza, whose mother was Galerius' sister. An inexperienced youth with little formal education, he was invested with the purple, exalted to the dignity of Caesar, and assigned the command of Egypt and Syria. Second was Severus, Galerius' comrade in arms; he was sent to Milan to receive the possession of Italy and Africa. According to the forms of the constitution, Severus acknowledged the supremacy of the western emperor, but he was absolutely devoted to the commands of his benefactor Galerius, who, reserving to himself the intermediate countries from the confines of Italy to those of Syria, firmly established his power over three-quarters of the empire.[29] hopes were dashed when his colleague Constantius died at York in 306 and the legions elevated his son Constantine to the position of Augustus. Galerius only discovered this when he received a letter from Constantine, who informed him of his father's death, modestly asserted his natural claim to the succession, and respectfully lamented that the enthusiastic violence of his troops had not allowed him to obtain the imperial purple in the regular and constitutional manner. The first emotions of Galerius were those of surprise, disappointment, and rage, and as he could seldom restrain his passions, he threatened to burn both the letter and the messenger.[30][31][32][33] however, when he had time to reconsider his position, he inevitably saw that his chances of winning a war against Constantine were doubtful at best. Galerius was well aware of Constantine's strengths – Constantine had been his guest for some time at Nicomedia – and knew that Constantius' legions were wildly devoted to his son.[29] Therefore, without either condemning or ratifying the choice of the Roman army, Galerius accepted the son of his deceased colleague as the ruler of the provinces beyond the Alps; but he gave him only the title of Caesar, and the fourth rank among the Roman princes, whilst he conferred the vacant place of Augustus on his favourite Severus. ambitious spirit of Galerius was only just over this disappointment when he beheld the unexpected loss of Italy to Maxentius, who was married to his daughter Valeria Maximilla.[34] Galerius’ need for additional revenue had persuaded him to make a very strict and rigorous examination of the property of his subjects for the purpose of a general taxation. A very minute survey was taken of their real estates and, wherever there was the slightest suspicion of concealment, torture was used to obtain a sincere declaration of their personal wealth. Italy had traditionally been exempt from any form of taxation, but Galerius ignored this precedent, and the officers of the revenue already began to number the Roman people, and to settle the proportion of the new taxes. Italy began to murmur against this indignity and Maxentius used this sentiment to declare himself emperor in Italy, to the fury of Galerius. Therefore, Galerius ordered his colleague Severus to immediately march to Rome, in the full confidence that, by his unexpected arrival, he would easily suppress the rebellion.[29] Severus was captured after his troops deserted to their old commander Maximian, who had once again been elevated to the rank of co-emperor, this time by his son Maxentius. Severus was later executed. Palace of Galerius in Zaječar, Serbia, today an UNESO World Heritage Site importance of the occasion needed the presence and abilities of Galerius. At the head of a powerful army collected from Illyricum and the East, he entered Italy, determined to avenge Severus and to punish the rebellious Romans.[citation needed] But due to the skill of Maximian, Galerius found every place hostile, fortified, and inaccessible; and though he forced his way as far as Narni, within sixty miles of Rome, his control in Italy was confined to the narrow limits of his camp. that he was facing ever-greater difficulties, Galerius made the first advances towards reconciliation, and dispatched two officers to tempt the Romans by the offer of a conference, and the declaration of his paternal regard for Maxentius, reminding them that they would obtain much more from his willing generosity than anything that might have been obtained through a military campaign. The offers of Galerius were rejected with firmness, his friendship refused, and it was not long before he discovered that, unless he retreated, he would share Severus' fate. It was not a moment too soon; large monetary gifts from Maxentius to his soldiers had corrupted the fidelity of the Illyrian legions. When Galerius finally began his withdrawal from Italy, it was only with great difficulty that he managed to stop his veterans deserting him.[29] frustration, Galerius allowed his legions to ravage the countryside as they passed northwards. Maxentius declined to make a general engagement. so many emperors now in existence, in 308 Galerius, together with the retired emperor Diocletian and the now active Maximian, called an imperial 'conference' at Carnuntum on the River Danube to rectify the situation and bring some order back into the imperial government.[citation needed] Here it was agreed that Galerius’ long-time friend and military companion Licinius, who had been entrusted by Galerius with the defense of the Danube while Galerius was in Italy, would become Augustus in the West, with Constantine as his Caesar. In the East, Galerius remained Augustus and Maximinus remained his Caesar. Maximian was to retire, and Maxentius was declared a usurper. ’ plan soon failed. The news of Licinius’ promotion was no sooner carried into the East, than Maximinus, who governed the provinces of Egypt and Syria, rejected his position as Caesar, and, notwithstanding the prayers as well as arguments of Galerius, exacted the equal title of Augustus.[29] For the first, and indeed for the last time, six emperors administered the Roman world. Though the opposition of interest, and the memory of a recent war, divided the empire into two great hostile powers, their mutual fears and the fading authority of Galerius produced an apparent tranquility in the imperial government. last years of Galerius saw him relinquishing his aspirations towards being the supreme ruler of the empire, though he managed to retain the position of first among equals. He spent the remainder of his years enjoying himself and ordering some important public works, such as discharging into the Danube the superfluous waters of Lake Pelso, and cutting down the immense forests that encompassed it.[29] of Christians[edit] Main article: Diocletian Persecution of the Arch of Galerius in Thessaloniki. had lived pleasantly during most of the rule of Diocletian. The persecutions that began with an edict of February 24, 303, were credited by Christians to Galerius' work, as he was a fierce advocate of the old ways and old gods. Christian houses of assembly were destroyed, for fear of sedition in secret gatherings.[citation needed] was not anti-Christian during the first part of his reign, and historians have claimed that Galerius decided to prod him into persecuting them by secretly burning the Imperial Palace and blaming it on Christian saboteurs. Regardless of who was at fault for the fire, Diocletian's rage was aroused and he began one of the last and greatest Christian persecutions in the history of the Roman Empire.[citation needed] was at the insistence of Galerius that the last edicts of persecution against the Christians were published, beginning on February 24, 303, and this policy of repression was maintained by him until the appearance of the general edict of toleration, issued from Nicomedia in April 311, apparently during his last bout of illness (see Edict of Toleration by Galerius). Galerius's last request was that Christians should pray for him as he suffered with a painful and fatal illness; he died six days later.[35] one of the leading figures in the persecutions, Galerius later admitted that the policy of trying to eradicate Christianity had failed, saying: "wherefore, for this our indulgence, they ought to pray to their God for our safety, for that of the republic, and for their own, that the republic may continue uninjured on every side, and that they may be able to live securely in their homes." Lactantius gives the text of the edict in his moralized chronicle of the bad ends to which all the persecutors came, De Mortibus Persecutorum.[36] This marked the end of official persecution of Christians. Christianity was officially legalized in the Roman Empire two years later in 313 by Constantine and Licinius in the Edict of Milan.[citation needed] died in late April or early May 311[37] from a horribly gruesome disease described by Eusebius[38] and Lactantius,[39] possibly some form of bowel cancer, gangrene or Fournier gangrene. was buried in his mausoleum at Gamzigrad-Romuliana, which was part of the palace he built at his birthplace, today's Zaječar in Serbia. Several lumps composed of corroded iron ring mail (lorica hamata) have been found at the site. This mail armour may have been worn by the wax ﬁgure of the emperor that was burned during the imperial funeral and apotheosis ceremony.[40] The entire site has been inscribed into the World Heritage List in June 2007. accusations[edit] to Lactantius, Galerius affirmed his Dacian identity and avowed himself the enemy of the Roman name once made emperor, even proposing that the empire should be called, not the Roman, but the Dacian Empire, much to the horror of the patricians and senators. Lactantius further states that Galerius exhibited anti-Roman attitude as soon as he had attained the highest power, treating the Roman citizens with ruthless cruelty, like the conquerors treated the conquered, all in the name of the same treatment that the victorious Trajan had applied to the conquered Dacians, forefathers of Galerius, two centuries before.[41] Greatmartyr Theodore the Tyro (œthe ), Commemorated on February 17;

Bulgaria, 293-311, Emperor, Maximian Galerius, Fanatic Pagan, horrible disease, ended D Persecution
Rome, 305-311, Emperor Maximian Galerius ; Galerius, Sophia, Castle of Roman emperor Galerius; accusations[edit] to Lactantius, Galerius affirmed his Dacian identity and avowed himself the enemy of the Roman name once made emperor, even proposing that the empire should be called, not the Roman, but the Dacian Empire, much to the horror of the patricians and senators. Lactantius further states that Galerius exhibited anti-Roman attitude as soon as he had attained the highest power, treating the Roman citizens with ruthless cruelty, like the conquerors treated the conquered, all in the name of the same treatment that the victorious Trajan had applied to the conquered Dacians, forefathers of Galerius, two centuries before.[41] Galerius Valerius Maximianus (c. 258 - May 311) was Roman emperor from 305 to 311. his reign he campaigned, aided by Diocletian, against the Sassanid Empire, sacking their capital Ctesiphon in 299. also campaigned across the Danube against the Carpi, defeating them in 297 and 300. he was a staunch opponent of Christianity, Galerius ended the Diocletianic Persecution when he issued an Edict of Toleration in Serdica in 311. life[edit] was born near Serdica,[14] in Dacia Ripensis, later named Dacia Mediterranea, though some modern scholars consider the strategic site where he later built his palace named after his mother – Felix Romuliana (Gamzigrad) – his birth and funeral place.[12] father was a Thracian and his mother Romula had left Roman Dacia because of the Carpians' attacks.[15][16]: 19  He originally followed his father's occupation, that of a herdsman, where he was nicknamed Armentarius, herdsman. Galerius' father-in-law and senior emperor served with distinction as a soldier under Emperors Aurelian and Probus, and in 293 at the establishment of the Tetrarchy, was designated Caesar along with Constantius Chlorus, receiving in marriage Diocletian's daughter Valeria (later known as Galeria Valeria), and at the same time being entrusted with the care of the Illyrian provinces. a few years campaigning against Sarmatians and Goths on the Danube, he received command of the legions on the eastern imperial limits. Soon after his appointment, Galerius was dispatched to Egypt to fight the rebellious cities Busiris and Coptos.[17] with Persia[edit] See also: Roman relations with the Parthians and Sassanids and Roman–Persian Wars counterinvasion[edit] 294, Narseh, a son of Shapur I, who had been passed over for the Sassanid succession, came into power in Persia. Narseh probably moved to eliminate Bahram III, a young man installed by a noble named Vahunam in the wake of Bahram II's death in 293.[18]: 292 [19]: 69  In early 294, Narseh sent Diocletian the customary package of gifts, but within Persia, he was destroying every trace of his immediate predecessors, erasing their names from public monuments. He sought to identify himself with the warlike reigns of Ardashir (r. 226–41) and Shapur (r. 241–72), who had sacked Roman Antioch and captured Emperor Valerian.[19]: 69–70  295 or 296, Narseh declared war on Rome. He appears to have first invaded western Armenia, retaking the lands delivered to Tiridates in the peace of 287. He occupied the lands there until the following year.[18][20]: 149 [21]: 292 [22] historian Ammianus Marcellinus, circa 320–395, is the only source detailing the initial invasion of Armenia.[23] Southern (1999, 149) dates the invasion to 295; Barnes (1982, 17, 293) mentions an earlier, unsuccessful invasion by Narseh based on the fact that the title Persici Maximi was given to all four emperors; Odahl (2004, 59) concurs with Barnes and suggests that Saracen princes in the Syrian desert collaborated with Narseh's invasion. then moved south into Roman Mesopotamia, where he inflicted a severe defeat on Galerius, then commander of the eastern forces, in the region between Carrhae (Harran, Turkey) and Callinicum (Raqqa, Syria).[21] may or may not have been present at the battle,[18]: 652  but presented himself soon afterwards at Antioch, where the official version of events was made clear: Galerius was to take all the blame for the affair. Antioch, Diocletian forced Galerius to walk a mile in advance of his imperial cart while still clad in the purple robes of an emperor.[18][21]: 292–3  The message conveyed was clear; the loss at Carrhae was not due to the failings of the empire's soldiers, but due to the failings of their commander, and Galerius' failures would not be accepted.[24] Galerius' position at the head of the caravan possibly was merely the conventional organization of an imperial progression, designed to show a Caesar's deference to his Augustus.[25] of Galerius attacking Narseh on the Arch of Galerius at Thessaloniki, Greece, the city where Galerius carried out most of his administrative actions.[20]: 151  army was reinforced probably in the spring of 298 by new contingents collected from the empire's Danubian holdings.[26] did not advance from Armenia and Mesopotamia leaving Galerius to lead the offensive in 298 with an attack on northern Mesopotamia via Armenia.[24] may or may not have been present to assist the campaign.[27] retreated to Armenia to fight Galerius' force, to Narseh's disadvantage; the rugged Armenian terrain was favorable to Roman infantry, but not to Sassanid cavalry. Local aid gave Galerius the advantage of surprise over the Persian forces, and, in two successive battles, Galerius secured victories over Narseh.[24][26] the second encounter, the Battle of Satala in 298, Roman forces seized Narseh's camp, his treasury, his harem, and his wife.[24][26] Narseh's wife would live out the remainder of the war in Daphne, a suburb of Antioch, serving as a constant reminder to the Persians of the Roman victory.[24] advanced into Media and Adiabene, winning continuous victories, most prominently near Theodosiopolis (Erzurum),[20]: 151  securing Nisibis (Nusaybin) before 1 October 298. He moved down the Tigris, taking Ctesiphon, and gazing onwards to the ruins of Babylon before returning to Roman territory via the Euphrates.[26] source ever specifically claims that Ctesiphon was sacked, but it is assumed to have been, primarily due to the seizure of Narseh's wife and harem.[20]: 150  negotiations[edit] had previously sent an ambassador to Galerius to plead for the return of his wife and children, but Galerius had dismissed this ambassador, reminding him of how Shapur had treated Valerian.[26] Romans, in any case, treated Narseh's captured family well perhaps seeking to evoke comparisons to Alexander and his beneficent conduct towards the family of Darius III.[24] negotiations began in the spring of 299, with both Diocletian and Galerius presiding. Their magister memoriae (secretary) Sicorius Probus was sent to Narseh to present terms.[26] conditions of the Peace of Nisibis were heavy:[24] Persia would give up territory to Rome, making the Tigris the boundary between the two empires. terms specified that Armenia was returned to Roman domination with the fort of Ziatha as its border; Caucasian Iberia would pay allegiance to Rome under a Roman appointee; now under Roman rule, would become the sole conduit for trade between Persia and Rome; and Rome would exercise control over the five satrapies between the Tigris and Armenia: Ingilene, Sophanene (Sophene), Arzanene (Aghdznik), Corduene, and Zabdicene (near modern Hakkâri, Turkey). regions included the passage of the Tigris through the Anti-Taurus range; the Bitlis pass, the quickest southerly route into Persian Armenia; and access to the Tur Abdin plateau. these territories, Rome would have an advance station north of Ctesiphon, and would be able to slow any future advance of Persian forces through the region.[28] the terms of the peace, Tiridates would regain both his throne and the entirety of his ancestral claim, and Rome would secure a wide zone of cultural influence in the region.[26] Because the empire was able to sustain such constant warfare on so many fronts, it has been taken as a sign of the essential efficacy of the Diocletianic system and the goodwill of the army towards the tetrarchic enterprise.[20]: 150  as Augustus[edit] of Galerius the elevation of Constantius I and Galerius to the rank of Augustus, two new Caesars were required to take their place. The two persons whom Galerius promoted to the rank of Caesar were very much his creatures, and he hoped to enhance his authority throughout the empire with their elevation.[29] was Maximinus Daza, whose mother was Galerius' sister. An inexperienced youth with little formal education, he was invested with the purple, exalted to the dignity of Caesar, and assigned the command of Egypt and Syria. Second was Severus, Galerius' comrade in arms; he was sent to Milan to receive the possession of Italy and Africa. According to the forms of the constitution, Severus acknowledged the supremacy of the western emperor, but he was absolutely devoted to the commands of his benefactor Galerius, who, reserving to himself the intermediate countries from the confines of Italy to those of Syria, firmly established his power over three-quarters of the empire.[29] hopes were dashed when his colleague Constantius died at York in 306 and the legions elevated his son Constantine to the position of Augustus. Galerius only discovered this when he received a letter from Constantine, who informed him of his father's death, modestly asserted his natural claim to the succession, and respectfully lamented that the enthusiastic violence of his troops had not allowed him to obtain the imperial purple in the regular and constitutional manner. The first emotions of Galerius were those of surprise, disappointment, and rage, and as he could seldom restrain his passions, he threatened to burn both the letter and the messenger.[30][31][32][33] however, when he had time to reconsider his position, he inevitably saw that his chances of winning a war against Constantine were doubtful at best. Galerius was well aware of Constantine's strengths – Constantine had been his guest for some time at Nicomedia – and knew that Constantius' legions were wildly devoted to his son.[29] Therefore, without either condemning or ratifying the choice of the Roman army, Galerius accepted the son of his deceased colleague as the ruler of the provinces beyond the Alps; but he gave him only the title of Caesar, and the fourth rank among the Roman princes, whilst he conferred the vacant place of Augustus on his favourite Severus. ambitious spirit of Galerius was only just over this disappointment when he beheld the unexpected loss of Italy to Maxentius, who was married to his daughter Valeria Maximilla.[34] Galerius’ need for additional revenue had persuaded him to make a very strict and rigorous examination of the property of his subjects for the purpose of a general taxation. A very minute survey was taken of their real estates and, wherever there was the slightest suspicion of concealment, torture was used to obtain a sincere declaration of their personal wealth. Italy had traditionally been exempt from any form of taxation, but Galerius ignored this precedent, and the officers of the revenue already began to number the Roman people, and to settle the proportion of the new taxes. Italy began to murmur against this indignity and Maxentius used this sentiment to declare himself emperor in Italy, to the fury of Galerius. Therefore, Galerius ordered his colleague Severus to immediately march to Rome, in the full confidence that, by his unexpected arrival, he would easily suppress the rebellion.[29] Severus was captured after his troops deserted to their old commander Maximian, who had once again been elevated to the rank of co-emperor, this time by his son Maxentius. Severus was later executed. Palace of Galerius in Zaječar, Serbia, today an UNESO World Heritage Site importance of the occasion needed the presence and abilities of Galerius. At the head of a powerful army collected from Illyricum and the East, he entered Italy, determined to avenge Severus and to punish the rebellious Romans.[citation needed] But due to the skill of Maximian, Galerius found every place hostile, fortified, and inaccessible; and though he forced his way as far as Narni, within sixty miles of Rome, his control in Italy was confined to the narrow limits of his camp. that he was facing ever-greater difficulties, Galerius made the first advances towards reconciliation, and dispatched two officers to tempt the Romans by the offer of a conference, and the declaration of his paternal regard for Maxentius, reminding them that they would obtain much more from his willing generosity than anything that might have been obtained through a military campaign. The offers of Galerius were rejected with firmness, his friendship refused, and it was not long before he discovered that, unless he retreated, he would share Severus' fate. It was not a moment too soon; large monetary gifts from Maxentius to his soldiers had corrupted the fidelity of the Illyrian legions. When Galerius finally began his withdrawal from Italy, it was only with great difficulty that he managed to stop his veterans deserting him.[29] frustration, Galerius allowed his legions to ravage the countryside as they passed northwards. Maxentius declined to make a general engagement. so many emperors now in existence, in 308 Galerius, together with the retired emperor Diocletian and the now active Maximian, called an imperial 'conference' at Carnuntum on the River Danube to rectify the situation and bring some order back into the imperial government.[citation needed] Here it was agreed that Galerius’ long-time friend and military companion Licinius, who had been entrusted by Galerius with the defense of the Danube while Galerius was in Italy, would become Augustus in the West, with Constantine as his Caesar. In the East, Galerius remained Augustus and Maximinus remained his Caesar. Maximian was to retire, and Maxentius was declared a usurper. ’ plan soon failed. The news of Licinius’ promotion was no sooner carried into the East, than Maximinus, who governed the provinces of Egypt and Syria, rejected his position as Caesar, and, notwithstanding the prayers as well as arguments of Galerius, exacted the equal title of Augustus.[29] For the first, and indeed for the last time, six emperors administered the Roman world. Though the opposition of interest, and the memory of a recent war, divided the empire into two great hostile powers, their mutual fears and the fading authority of Galerius produced an apparent tranquility in the imperial government. last years of Galerius saw him relinquishing his aspirations towards being the supreme ruler of the empire, though he managed to retain the position of first among equals. He spent the remainder of his years enjoying himself and ordering some important public works, such as discharging into the Danube the superfluous waters of Lake Pelso, and cutting down the immense forests that encompassed it.[29] of Christians[edit] Main article: Diocletian Persecution of the Arch of Galerius in Thessaloniki. had lived pleasantly during most of the rule of Diocletian. The persecutions that began with an edict of February 24, 303, were credited by Christians to Galerius' work, as he was a fierce advocate of the old ways and old gods. Christian houses of assembly were destroyed, for fear of sedition in secret gatherings.[citation needed] was not anti-Christian during the first part of his reign, and historians have claimed that Galerius decided to prod him into persecuting them by secretly burning the Imperial Palace and blaming it on Christian saboteurs. Regardless of who was at fault for the fire, Diocletian's rage was aroused and he began one of the last and greatest Christian persecutions in the history of the Roman Empire.[citation needed] was at the insistence of Galerius that the last edicts of persecution against the Christians were published, beginning on February 24, 303, and this policy of repression was maintained by him until the appearance of the general edict of toleration, issued from Nicomedia in April 311, apparently during his last bout of illness (see Edict of Toleration by Galerius). Galerius's last request was that Christians should pray for him as he suffered with a painful and fatal illness; he died six days later.[35] one of the leading figures in the persecutions, Galerius later admitted that the policy of trying to eradicate Christianity had failed, saying: "wherefore, for this our indulgence, they ought to pray to their God for our safety, for that of the republic, and for their own, that the republic may continue uninjured on every side, and that they may be able to live securely in their homes." Lactantius gives the text of the edict in his moralized chronicle of the bad ends to which all the persecutors came, De Mortibus Persecutorum.[36] This marked the end of official persecution of Christians. Christianity was officially legalized in the Roman Empire two years later in 313 by Constantine and Licinius in the Edict of Milan.[citation needed] died in late April or early May 311[37] from a horribly gruesome disease described by Eusebius[38] and Lactantius,[39] possibly some form of bowel cancer, gangrene or Fournier gangrene. was buried in his mausoleum at Gamzigrad-Romuliana, which was part of the palace he built at his birthplace, today's Zaječar in Serbia. Several lumps composed of corroded iron ring mail (lorica hamata) have been found at the site. This mail armour may have been worn by the wax ﬁgure of the emperor that was burned during the imperial funeral and apotheosis ceremony.[40] The entire site has been inscribed into the World Heritage List in June 2007. accusations[edit] to Lactantius, Galerius affirmed his Dacian identity and avowed himself the enemy of the Roman name once made emperor, even proposing that the empire should be called, not the Roman, but the Dacian Empire, much to the horror of the patricians and senators. Lactantius further states that Galerius exhibited anti-Roman attitude as soon as he had attained the highest power, treating the Roman citizens with ruthless cruelty, like the conquerors treated the conquered, all in the name of the same treatment that the victorious Trajan had applied to the conquered Dacians, forefathers of Galerius, two centuries before.[41] Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; Martyr Paul at Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated July 16 ; Martyr and Archdeacon Euplus of Catania, Commemorated on August 11; Martyr Lucius, Commemorated August 20 ; Martyr Bassa of Edessa, and her sons, Commemorated on August 21; Martyr Agathonicus of Nicomedia, and others who suffered under Maximian, Commemorated on August 22; Martyr Lupus the Slave of St Demetrius of Thessalonica, Commemorated on August 23 ; Martyr Adrian of Nicomedia, Commemorated on August 26 ; 3,628 Martyrs who suffered at Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 2 ; Hieromartyr Anthimus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 3; Martyr Eudoxius, Commemorated September 6 ; Martyr Menodora at Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 10 ; Martyr Theodotus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated on September 15 ; 156 Martyrs in Palestine, Commemorated on September 17 ; Martyr Peleus the Bishop of Palestine, Commemorated on September 17 ; Hieromartyr Hierotheus the Bishop of Athens, Commemorated October 4 ; Martyr Callisthene and her father Audactus of Ephesus, Commemorated on October 4; Martyr Theotecnus of Antioch, Commemorated on October 10 ; Venerable Hilarion the Great, Commemorated on October 21; Martyr Cyrenia in Cilicia, Commemorated on November 1; Repose of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated November 23 ; NICHOLAS OF MYRA, FRIEND OF CHILDREN, GIVER OF GIFTS, CLIMBER OF CHIMNEYS, ETC. (6 DEC 326) ; Greatmartyr Catherine of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 24; Hieromartyr Peter the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 25; Greatmartyr Barbara at Heliopolis, in Syria, Commemorated on December 4; Martyr Juliana at Heliopolis, in Syria, Commemorated on December 4; St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated on December 6; St Sophronius the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on December 9; Martyr Menas of Alexandria, Commemorated on December 10; Martyr Elias in Cilicia, Commemorated on December 19; Martyr Philetairus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on December 30; Venerable Syncletica of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 5; Martyr Peter of Anium, at Hieropolis, Commemorated on January 13; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Martyr Julian of Emesa, Commemorated on February 6; Virginmartyr Ennatha of Palestine, Commemorated on February 10; Hieromartyr Blaise the Bishop of Sebaste, Commemorated on February 11; Greatmartyr Theodore the Tyro ("œthe Recruit"Â), Commemorated on February 17; Uncovering of the relics of the Martyr Menas of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 17; Martyr Victor of Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18 ; Martyr Archippus of the Seventy Apostles, Commemorated on February 19; Martyr Maximus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated February 19; Martyr Maurice at Apamea in Syria, Commemorated on February 22; Martyr Eutropius of Amasea, Commemorated on March 3 ; Hieromartyr Basil of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7; Martyr Urpasianus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 9; Martyr Urpasianus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 9 ; Martyr Alexander of Macedonia, Commemorated on March 13 ; Martyr Julian of Anazarbus, Commemorated on March 16; Martyr Papas of Lyconia, Commemorated on March 16; Virginmartyr Alexandra of Amisus, Commemorated on March 20; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Hieromartyr Irenaeus the Bishop of Sirmium in Hungary, Commemorated on March 26; Martyr Matrona of Thessalonica, Commemorated on March 27; Martyr Amphianus (Apphianus) of Lycia, Commemorated on April 2 ; Martyr Polycarp of Alexandria, Commemorated on April 2 ; Virginmartyr Theodosia of Tyre, Commemorated on April 3 ; Martyr Rufinus the Deacon at Sinope, Commemorated on April 7; St Akaki Asistavi of Georgia, Commemorated on May 7; Martyr Hesychius of Antioch, Commemorated on May 10; Martyr Basiliscus the Bishop of Comana, Commemorated on May 22; Virginmartyr Theodosia of Tyre, Commemorated on May 29; Martyr Marcian of Egypt, Commemorated on June 5; Hieromartyr Marcellinus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Hieromartyr Sisinius the Deacon of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Martyr Priscilla of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Martyr Doulas of Cilicia, Commemorated on June 15; Venerable Paisius the Great, Commemorated on June 19; Hieromartyr Methodius the Bishop of Patara, Commemorated on June 20; Martyr Aristocles the Presbyter of Cyprus, Commemorated on June 20; Translation of the relics of the Holy and Wonderworking Unmercenary John, Commemorated on June 28 ;

Bulgaria, 300, 4th Century Folder, Christianity dominant, Gothic Civil Wars

Bulgaria, 300, Christianity the dominant religion in Bulgaria
Bulgaria, 864-865, Bulgaria, 300, Christianity the dominant religion in Bulgaria; St. Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 6

Bulgaria, 303, Martyrs Dada, Maximus, and Quinctilian, at Dorostolum, Bulgaria, devil, angel, Lord commanded us to endure
Bulgaria, , Martyrs Dada, Maximus, and Quinctilian, at Dorostolum, Bulgaria (Silistra, Danube River 14.5, Southeast of Bucharest), pagan feast, withdrew, caught at prayer, confessed, salvation of their souls, devil appeared, angel appeared, Lord commanded us to endure, tortured several days, beheaded; Dorostolum (Dorostorum); Martyr Dada at Dorostolum, Commemorated on April 28; Martyrs Dada, Maximus and Quinctilian suffered under the emperor Diocletian (284-305), who issued a decree requiring everyone to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods during the public festivals, and to put Christians to death. and Gabinius, the emperor’s representatives in Dorostolum, made a sumptuous feast, attended not only by the inhabitants of the city, but also people from the surrounding villages. the festivities, someone reported to the emperor that three brothers, Dada, Maximus and Quinctilian, did not obey the imperial decree and withdrew themselves into the Ozovia forest. Soldiers were sent after them, who caught the holy brothers at prayer and led them forth for trial. governors interrogated the brothers, who confessed themselves Christians. Tarquinius offered to make Saint Maximus a pagan priest of Zeus, but the saint called Zeus a foul adulterer and again confessed the True God. attempted to reason with Saints Dada and Quinctilian. They said that their brother was well versed in the Holy Scripture and they would follow him in everything. They threw the martyrs into prison, but they thought only of the salvation of their souls. At midnight when the saints were asleep, the devil appeared to them. When the martyrs woke, they beheld an angel who said, “Fear not, for God your hope brings you to Himself. He is not far from you and will sustain you.” the morning, Tarquinius told the brothers that the gods had revealed their will to him in a dream: they were to be put to death if they did not offer sacrifice. The martyrs answered that the Lord had commanded them to endure torments for His sake. tortures and interrogations continued for several days from morning to evening. Finally, they sentenced the martyrs to death, led them out under guard to their forest and beheaded them with a sword.

Bulgaria, 304, Seven Martyred Brothers, exiled tCaucasus Region Georgia, fThrace Region, Bulgaria, all tortured &died along tWay
Bulgaria, 304, Seven Martyred Brothers: Orentius, Pharnacius, Eros, Firmus, Firminus, Cyriacus, and Longinus, exiled to Caucasus Region Georgia, from Thrace Region, Bulgaria, all tortured and died several places along the way; Thrace Region, Bulgaria; The Seven Brothers of Lazia; Saints Day Place of Martyrdom Saint Heros 22 June Parembol Saint Orentius 24 June Riza (Rize) Saint Pharnacius 3 July Kordila (Sivri Kale) Saint Firmus 7 July Apsaros (Gonio) Saint Firminus 7 July Apsaros Saint Cyriacus 24 July Zigania (Anaklia) Saint Longinus 28 July Pityus (Bichvinta) Seven Martyred Brothers: Orentius, Pharnacius, Eros, Firmus, Firminus, Cyriacus, and Longinus, in Georgia, Commemorated on June 24; Orentios, Pharnakios, Erotas, Phirmos, Phirminos, Kyriakos, and Longinus were brothers, who were known for their courage and served as soldiers in Thrace during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. a battle with the Scythians, Saint Orentios killed their fierce and intrepid leader, Mararon. He received many honors for this achievement, but then he was asked to participate in a sacrifice that was being offered to the idols in thanksgiving for his victory. The Christian hero absolutely refused to do this, declaring that he had defeated his foe by the power of Jesus Christ, whom he worshiped as the one true God. They did not punish him right away, because of his bravery, but he and his brothers were detained. some time, they were questioned. All seven declared, as with one mouth, that they would remain faithful to Christ until their last breath, and that the Savior would judge them on the Last Day. After saying this, they were sentenced to exile in the Caucasus. after another, the seven brothers died on the journey from their hardships and suffering. but they endured their afflictions without complaint. Erotas was the first to depart this life; he perished at Parembol on June 22. Next, Orentios was thrown into the sea with a stone tied around his neck. Pharnakios reposed on July 3 at Kordila. Phirmos and Phirminos received their heavenly crowns on July 7 at Aspara on the eastern shores of the Black Sea. Kyriakos went to the Lord on July 14 at Ziganeia, and Longinus gave his soul into God's hands on July 28 while on board a ship. The storm-tossed vessel went aground at Pitinda (Pitsnda), and so the last holy martyr was buried there. pray to these holy martyrs to protect us from our enemies. In Greek usage these saints are commemorated on June 25.

Bulgaria, 305 approx., Martyr Alexander of Rome at Drizipara
Drizipara, Bulgaria (on Via Egnatia, Martyr Alexander of Rome); Martyr Alexander of Rome, Commemorated on May 13;

Bulgaria, 305-311, M's Theodotus, Maximus& Asklepiodote, Gov Tiris , lightning bolt hit him on judgement seat
Marcianopolis (Lake Beloslav); Martyr Theodotus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated on September 15 ; Holy Martyr Theodotus suffered with Saints Maximus and Asklepiodote, at the beginning of the fourth century under the emperor Maximian Galerius (305-311). Eminent citizens of the city of Marcianopolis, Maximus, and Asklepiodote led a devout Christian life. By their example they brought many to faith in Christ and to holy Baptism. the persecution Tiris, the governor of Thrace, went around the city subject to him and persecuted those believing in Christ. He summoned Maximus and Asklepiodote before him and demanded they abandon the Christian Faith. When the martyrs refused, he ordered that they be beaten. a certain pious man named Theodotus, began to reproach the governor for his inhumanity and cruelty. They seized him also, and hanging him on a tree, they tortured him with iron hooks. After this, they threw the three martyrs into prison. Tiris traveled for two weeks more and took the holy martyrs along with him. the city of Adrianopolis he put them to still greater tortures, commanding that their bodies be scorched with white-hot plates. In the midst of their suffering they heard a Voice from Heaven encouraging them to persevere. After several days of torture they threw the martyrs to be eaten by wild beasts in the circus, but instead the she-bear released upon Saints Maximus and Theodotus began to cuddle up to them. Asklepiodote was tied to a bull, but she seemed to be rooted to the spot, and did not budge. Tiris resumed the journey and stopped in the village of Saltis before reaching the city of Philippopolis. Again he urged the martyrs to renounce Christ. When they refused, he ordered them to be beheaded. God’s wrath overtook him when a bolt of lightning struck him as he sat upon the judgment seat. St Sebastiana the Martyr and Disciple of St Paul the Apostle at Heraclea, Commemorated on September 16 ; Martyr Melitina of Marcianopolis, Commemorated September 16 ;

Bulgaria, 305-311, Emperor, Maximian Galerius, Fanatic Pagan, horrible disease, ended D Persecution
Rome, 305-311, Emperor Maximian Galerius ; Galerius, Sophia, Castle of Roman emperor Galerius; accusations[edit] to Lactantius, Galerius affirmed his Dacian identity and avowed himself the enemy of the Roman name once made emperor, even proposing that the empire should be called, not the Roman, but the Dacian Empire, much to the horror of the patricians and senators. Lactantius further states that Galerius exhibited anti-Roman attitude as soon as he had attained the highest power, treating the Roman citizens with ruthless cruelty, like the conquerors treated the conquered, all in the name of the same treatment that the victorious Trajan had applied to the conquered Dacians, forefathers of Galerius, two centuries before.[41] Galerius Valerius Maximianus (c. 258 - May 311) was Roman emperor from 305 to 311. his reign he campaigned, aided by Diocletian, against the Sassanid Empire, sacking their capital Ctesiphon in 299. also campaigned across the Danube against the Carpi, defeating them in 297 and 300. he was a staunch opponent of Christianity, Galerius ended the Diocletianic Persecution when he issued an Edict of Toleration in Serdica in 311. life[edit] was born near Serdica,[14] in Dacia Ripensis, later named Dacia Mediterranea, though some modern scholars consider the strategic site where he later built his palace named after his mother – Felix Romuliana (Gamzigrad) – his birth and funeral place.[12] father was a Thracian and his mother Romula had left Roman Dacia because of the Carpians' attacks.[15][16]: 19  He originally followed his father's occupation, that of a herdsman, where he was nicknamed Armentarius, herdsman. Galerius' father-in-law and senior emperor served with distinction as a soldier under Emperors Aurelian and Probus, and in 293 at the establishment of the Tetrarchy, was designated Caesar along with Constantius Chlorus, receiving in marriage Diocletian's daughter Valeria (later known as Galeria Valeria), and at the same time being entrusted with the care of the Illyrian provinces. a few years campaigning against Sarmatians and Goths on the Danube, he received command of the legions on the eastern imperial limits. Soon after his appointment, Galerius was dispatched to Egypt to fight the rebellious cities Busiris and Coptos.[17] with Persia[edit] See also: Roman relations with the Parthians and Sassanids and Roman–Persian Wars counterinvasion[edit] 294, Narseh, a son of Shapur I, who had been passed over for the Sassanid succession, came into power in Persia. Narseh probably moved to eliminate Bahram III, a young man installed by a noble named Vahunam in the wake of Bahram II's death in 293.[18]: 292 [19]: 69  In early 294, Narseh sent Diocletian the customary package of gifts, but within Persia, he was destroying every trace of his immediate predecessors, erasing their names from public monuments. He sought to identify himself with the warlike reigns of Ardashir (r. 226–41) and Shapur (r. 241–72), who had sacked Roman Antioch and captured Emperor Valerian.[19]: 69–70  295 or 296, Narseh declared war on Rome. He appears to have first invaded western Armenia, retaking the lands delivered to Tiridates in the peace of 287. He occupied the lands there until the following year.[18][20]: 149 [21]: 292 [22] historian Ammianus Marcellinus, circa 320–395, is the only source detailing the initial invasion of Armenia.[23] Southern (1999, 149) dates the invasion to 295; Barnes (1982, 17, 293) mentions an earlier, unsuccessful invasion by Narseh based on the fact that the title Persici Maximi was given to all four emperors; Odahl (2004, 59) concurs with Barnes and suggests that Saracen princes in the Syrian desert collaborated with Narseh's invasion. then moved south into Roman Mesopotamia, where he inflicted a severe defeat on Galerius, then commander of the eastern forces, in the region between Carrhae (Harran, Turkey) and Callinicum (Raqqa, Syria).[21] may or may not have been present at the battle,[18]: 652  but presented himself soon afterwards at Antioch, where the official version of events was made clear: Galerius was to take all the blame for the affair. Antioch, Diocletian forced Galerius to walk a mile in advance of his imperial cart while still clad in the purple robes of an emperor.[18][21]: 292–3  The message conveyed was clear; the loss at Carrhae was not due to the failings of the empire's soldiers, but due to the failings of their commander, and Galerius' failures would not be accepted.[24] Galerius' position at the head of the caravan possibly was merely the conventional organization of an imperial progression, designed to show a Caesar's deference to his Augustus.[25] of Galerius attacking Narseh on the Arch of Galerius at Thessaloniki, Greece, the city where Galerius carried out most of his administrative actions.[20]: 151  army was reinforced probably in the spring of 298 by new contingents collected from the empire's Danubian holdings.[26] did not advance from Armenia and Mesopotamia leaving Galerius to lead the offensive in 298 with an attack on northern Mesopotamia via Armenia.[24] may or may not have been present to assist the campaign.[27] retreated to Armenia to fight Galerius' force, to Narseh's disadvantage; the rugged Armenian terrain was favorable to Roman infantry, but not to Sassanid cavalry. Local aid gave Galerius the advantage of surprise over the Persian forces, and, in two successive battles, Galerius secured victories over Narseh.[24][26] the second encounter, the Battle of Satala in 298, Roman forces seized Narseh's camp, his treasury, his harem, and his wife.[24][26] Narseh's wife would live out the remainder of the war in Daphne, a suburb of Antioch, serving as a constant reminder to the Persians of the Roman victory.[24] advanced into Media and Adiabene, winning continuous victories, most prominently near Theodosiopolis (Erzurum),[20]: 151  securing Nisibis (Nusaybin) before 1 October 298. He moved down the Tigris, taking Ctesiphon, and gazing onwards to the ruins of Babylon before returning to Roman territory via the Euphrates.[26] source ever specifically claims that Ctesiphon was sacked, but it is assumed to have been, primarily due to the seizure of Narseh's wife and harem.[20]: 150  negotiations[edit] had previously sent an ambassador to Galerius to plead for the return of his wife and children, but Galerius had dismissed this ambassador, reminding him of how Shapur had treated Valerian.[26] Romans, in any case, treated Narseh's captured family well perhaps seeking to evoke comparisons to Alexander and his beneficent conduct towards the family of Darius III.[24] negotiations began in the spring of 299, with both Diocletian and Galerius presiding. Their magister memoriae (secretary) Sicorius Probus was sent to Narseh to present terms.[26] conditions of the Peace of Nisibis were heavy:[24] Persia would give up territory to Rome, making the Tigris the boundary between the two empires. terms specified that Armenia was returned to Roman domination with the fort of Ziatha as its border; Caucasian Iberia would pay allegiance to Rome under a Roman appointee; now under Roman rule, would become the sole conduit for trade between Persia and Rome; and Rome would exercise control over the five satrapies between the Tigris and Armenia: Ingilene, Sophanene (Sophene), Arzanene (Aghdznik), Corduene, and Zabdicene (near modern Hakkâri, Turkey). regions included the passage of the Tigris through the Anti-Taurus range; the Bitlis pass, the quickest southerly route into Persian Armenia; and access to the Tur Abdin plateau. these territories, Rome would have an advance station north of Ctesiphon, and would be able to slow any future advance of Persian forces through the region.[28] the terms of the peace, Tiridates would regain both his throne and the entirety of his ancestral claim, and Rome would secure a wide zone of cultural influence in the region.[26] Because the empire was able to sustain such constant warfare on so many fronts, it has been taken as a sign of the essential efficacy of the Diocletianic system and the goodwill of the army towards the tetrarchic enterprise.[20]: 150  as Augustus[edit] of Galerius the elevation of Constantius I and Galerius to the rank of Augustus, two new Caesars were required to take their place. The two persons whom Galerius promoted to the rank of Caesar were very much his creatures, and he hoped to enhance his authority throughout the empire with their elevation.[29] was Maximinus Daza, whose mother was Galerius' sister. An inexperienced youth with little formal education, he was invested with the purple, exalted to the dignity of Caesar, and assigned the command of Egypt and Syria. Second was Severus, Galerius' comrade in arms; he was sent to Milan to receive the possession of Italy and Africa. According to the forms of the constitution, Severus acknowledged the supremacy of the western emperor, but he was absolutely devoted to the commands of his benefactor Galerius, who, reserving to himself the intermediate countries from the confines of Italy to those of Syria, firmly established his power over three-quarters of the empire.[29] hopes were dashed when his colleague Constantius died at York in 306 and the legions elevated his son Constantine to the position of Augustus. Galerius only discovered this when he received a letter from Constantine, who informed him of his father's death, modestly asserted his natural claim to the succession, and respectfully lamented that the enthusiastic violence of his troops had not allowed him to obtain the imperial purple in the regular and constitutional manner. The first emotions of Galerius were those of surprise, disappointment, and rage, and as he could seldom restrain his passions, he threatened to burn both the letter and the messenger.[30][31][32][33] however, when he had time to reconsider his position, he inevitably saw that his chances of winning a war against Constantine were doubtful at best. Galerius was well aware of Constantine's strengths – Constantine had been his guest for some time at Nicomedia – and knew that Constantius' legions were wildly devoted to his son.[29] Therefore, without either condemning or ratifying the choice of the Roman army, Galerius accepted the son of his deceased colleague as the ruler of the provinces beyond the Alps; but he gave him only the title of Caesar, and the fourth rank among the Roman princes, whilst he conferred the vacant place of Augustus on his favourite Severus. ambitious spirit of Galerius was only just over this disappointment when he beheld the unexpected loss of Italy to Maxentius, who was married to his daughter Valeria Maximilla.[34] Galerius’ need for additional revenue had persuaded him to make a very strict and rigorous examination of the property of his subjects for the purpose of a general taxation. A very minute survey was taken of their real estates and, wherever there was the slightest suspicion of concealment, torture was used to obtain a sincere declaration of their personal wealth. Italy had traditionally been exempt from any form of taxation, but Galerius ignored this precedent, and the officers of the revenue already began to number the Roman people, and to settle the proportion of the new taxes. Italy began to murmur against this indignity and Maxentius used this sentiment to declare himself emperor in Italy, to the fury of Galerius. Therefore, Galerius ordered his colleague Severus to immediately march to Rome, in the full confidence that, by his unexpected arrival, he would easily suppress the rebellion.[29] Severus was captured after his troops deserted to their old commander Maximian, who had once again been elevated to the rank of co-emperor, this time by his son Maxentius. Severus was later executed. Palace of Galerius in Zaječar, Serbia, today an UNESO World Heritage Site importance of the occasion needed the presence and abilities of Galerius. At the head of a powerful army collected from Illyricum and the East, he entered Italy, determined to avenge Severus and to punish the rebellious Romans.[citation needed] But due to the skill of Maximian, Galerius found every place hostile, fortified, and inaccessible; and though he forced his way as far as Narni, within sixty miles of Rome, his control in Italy was confined to the narrow limits of his camp. that he was facing ever-greater difficulties, Galerius made the first advances towards reconciliation, and dispatched two officers to tempt the Romans by the offer of a conference, and the declaration of his paternal regard for Maxentius, reminding them that they would obtain much more from his willing generosity than anything that might have been obtained through a military campaign. The offers of Galerius were rejected with firmness, his friendship refused, and it was not long before he discovered that, unless he retreated, he would share Severus' fate. It was not a moment too soon; large monetary gifts from Maxentius to his soldiers had corrupted the fidelity of the Illyrian legions. When Galerius finally began his withdrawal from Italy, it was only with great difficulty that he managed to stop his veterans deserting him.[29] frustration, Galerius allowed his legions to ravage the countryside as they passed northwards. Maxentius declined to make a general engagement. so many emperors now in existence, in 308 Galerius, together with the retired emperor Diocletian and the now active Maximian, called an imperial 'conference' at Carnuntum on the River Danube to rectify the situation and bring some order back into the imperial government.[citation needed] Here it was agreed that Galerius’ long-time friend and military companion Licinius, who had been entrusted by Galerius with the defense of the Danube while Galerius was in Italy, would become Augustus in the West, with Constantine as his Caesar. In the East, Galerius remained Augustus and Maximinus remained his Caesar. Maximian was to retire, and Maxentius was declared a usurper. ’ plan soon failed. The news of Licinius’ promotion was no sooner carried into the East, than Maximinus, who governed the provinces of Egypt and Syria, rejected his position as Caesar, and, notwithstanding the prayers as well as arguments of Galerius, exacted the equal title of Augustus.[29] For the first, and indeed for the last time, six emperors administered the Roman world. Though the opposition of interest, and the memory of a recent war, divided the empire into two great hostile powers, their mutual fears and the fading authority of Galerius produced an apparent tranquility in the imperial government. last years of Galerius saw him relinquishing his aspirations towards being the supreme ruler of the empire, though he managed to retain the position of first among equals. He spent the remainder of his years enjoying himself and ordering some important public works, such as discharging into the Danube the superfluous waters of Lake Pelso, and cutting down the immense forests that encompassed it.[29] of Christians[edit] Main article: Diocletian Persecution of the Arch of Galerius in Thessaloniki. had lived pleasantly during most of the rule of Diocletian. The persecutions that began with an edict of February 24, 303, were credited by Christians to Galerius' work, as he was a fierce advocate of the old ways and old gods. Christian houses of assembly were destroyed, for fear of sedition in secret gatherings.[citation needed] was not anti-Christian during the first part of his reign, and historians have claimed that Galerius decided to prod him into persecuting them by secretly burning the Imperial Palace and blaming it on Christian saboteurs. Regardless of who was at fault for the fire, Diocletian's rage was aroused and he began one of the last and greatest Christian persecutions in the history of the Roman Empire.[citation needed] was at the insistence of Galerius that the last edicts of persecution against the Christians were published, beginning on February 24, 303, and this policy of repression was maintained by him until the appearance of the general edict of toleration, issued from Nicomedia in April 311, apparently during his last bout of illness (see Edict of Toleration by Galerius). Galerius's last request was that Christians should pray for him as he suffered with a painful and fatal illness; he died six days later.[35] one of the leading figures in the persecutions, Galerius later admitted that the policy of trying to eradicate Christianity had failed, saying: "wherefore, for this our indulgence, they ought to pray to their God for our safety, for that of the republic, and for their own, that the republic may continue uninjured on every side, and that they may be able to live securely in their homes." Lactantius gives the text of the edict in his moralized chronicle of the bad ends to which all the persecutors came, De Mortibus Persecutorum.[36] This marked the end of official persecution of Christians. Christianity was officially legalized in the Roman Empire two years later in 313 by Constantine and Licinius in the Edict of Milan.[citation needed] died in late April or early May 311[37] from a horribly gruesome disease described by Eusebius[38] and Lactantius,[39] possibly some form of bowel cancer, gangrene or Fournier gangrene. was buried in his mausoleum at Gamzigrad-Romuliana, which was part of the palace he built at his birthplace, today's Zaječar in Serbia. Several lumps composed of corroded iron ring mail (lorica hamata) have been found at the site. This mail armour may have been worn by the wax ﬁgure of the emperor that was burned during the imperial funeral and apotheosis ceremony.[40] The entire site has been inscribed into the World Heritage List in June 2007. accusations[edit] to Lactantius, Galerius affirmed his Dacian identity and avowed himself the enemy of the Roman name once made emperor, even proposing that the empire should be called, not the Roman, but the Dacian Empire, much to the horror of the patricians and senators. Lactantius further states that Galerius exhibited anti-Roman attitude as soon as he had attained the highest power, treating the Roman citizens with ruthless cruelty, like the conquerors treated the conquered, all in the name of the same treatment that the victorious Trajan had applied to the conquered Dacians, forefathers of Galerius, two centuries before.[41] Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; Martyr Paul at Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated July 16 ; Martyr and Archdeacon Euplus of Catania, Commemorated on August 11; Martyr Lucius, Commemorated August 20 ; Martyr Bassa of Edessa, and her sons, Commemorated on August 21; Martyr Agathonicus of Nicomedia, and others who suffered under Maximian, Commemorated on August 22; Martyr Lupus the Slave of St Demetrius of Thessalonica, Commemorated on August 23 ; Martyr Adrian of Nicomedia, Commemorated on August 26 ; 3,628 Martyrs who suffered at Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 2 ; Hieromartyr Anthimus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 3; Martyr Eudoxius, Commemorated September 6 ; Martyr Menodora at Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 10 ; Martyr Theodotus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated on September 15 ; 156 Martyrs in Palestine, Commemorated on September 17 ; Martyr Peleus the Bishop of Palestine, Commemorated on September 17 ; Hieromartyr Hierotheus the Bishop of Athens, Commemorated October 4 ; Martyr Callisthene and her father Audactus of Ephesus, Commemorated on October 4; Martyr Theotecnus of Antioch, Commemorated on October 10 ; Venerable Hilarion the Great, Commemorated on October 21; Martyr Cyrenia in Cilicia, Commemorated on November 1; Repose of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated November 23 ; NICHOLAS OF MYRA, FRIEND OF CHILDREN, GIVER OF GIFTS, CLIMBER OF CHIMNEYS, ETC. (6 DEC 326) ; Greatmartyr Catherine of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 24; Hieromartyr Peter the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 25; Greatmartyr Barbara at Heliopolis, in Syria, Commemorated on December 4; Martyr Juliana at Heliopolis, in Syria, Commemorated on December 4; St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated on December 6; St Sophronius the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on December 9; Martyr Menas of Alexandria, Commemorated on December 10; Martyr Elias in Cilicia, Commemorated on December 19; Martyr Philetairus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on December 30; Venerable Syncletica of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 5; Martyr Peter of Anium, at Hieropolis, Commemorated on January 13; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Martyr Julian of Emesa, Commemorated on February 6; Virginmartyr Ennatha of Palestine, Commemorated on February 10; Hieromartyr Blaise the Bishop of Sebaste, Commemorated on February 11; Greatmartyr Theodore the Tyro ("œthe Recruit"Â), Commemorated on February 17; Uncovering of the relics of the Martyr Menas of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 17; Martyr Victor of Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18 ; Martyr Archippus of the Seventy Apostles, Commemorated on February 19; Martyr Maximus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated February 19; Martyr Maurice at Apamea in Syria, Commemorated on February 22; Martyr Eutropius of Amasea, Commemorated on March 3 ; Hieromartyr Basil of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7; Martyr Urpasianus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 9; Martyr Urpasianus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 9 ; Martyr Alexander of Macedonia, Commemorated on March 13 ; Martyr Julian of Anazarbus, Commemorated on March 16; Martyr Papas of Lyconia, Commemorated on March 16; Virginmartyr Alexandra of Amisus, Commemorated on March 20; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Hieromartyr Irenaeus the Bishop of Sirmium in Hungary, Commemorated on March 26; Martyr Matrona of Thessalonica, Commemorated on March 27; Martyr Amphianus (Apphianus) of Lycia, Commemorated on April 2 ; Martyr Polycarp of Alexandria, Commemorated on April 2 ; Virginmartyr Theodosia of Tyre, Commemorated on April 3 ; Martyr Rufinus the Deacon at Sinope, Commemorated on April 7; St Akaki Asistavi of Georgia, Commemorated on May 7; Martyr Hesychius of Antioch, Commemorated on May 10; Martyr Basiliscus the Bishop of Comana, Commemorated on May 22; Virginmartyr Theodosia of Tyre, Commemorated on May 29; Martyr Marcian of Egypt, Commemorated on June 5; Hieromartyr Marcellinus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Hieromartyr Sisinius the Deacon of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Martyr Priscilla of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Martyr Doulas of Cilicia, Commemorated on June 15; Venerable Paisius the Great, Commemorated on June 19; Hieromartyr Methodius the Bishop of Patara, Commemorated on June 20; Martyr Aristocles the Presbyter of Cyprus, Commemorated on June 20; Translation of the relics of the Holy and Wonderworking Unmercenary John, Commemorated on June 28 ;

Bulgaria, 305-311, Maximus oAdrianopolis, Bulgaria, torn wIron hooks, not eaten bWild beasts, beheaded
Bulgaria, , Maximus oAdrianopolis, Thrace, Bulgaria (Roman Road, Tonsus, Ardiscus Rivers, at Maritza River 9), Maximus, Theodotus, Hesychius and Asclepiodota suffered during Maximian 305-311, first tied to tree&Toren them with iron hooks, After this, they led them from city to city, and then gave them to be eaten by wild beasts, unharmed, stones thrown at Asdepodota tied to tree, all then beheaded; Adrianople; Martyr Maximus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated February 19; Holy Martyrs Maximus, Theodotus, Hesychius and Asclepiodota suffered for the Faith at Adrianopolis, the persecution under the emperor Maximian (305-311). holy martyrs endured many sufferings. first they tied them to a tree and tore them with iron hooks. this, they led them from city to city, and then gave them to be eaten by wild beasts. safe by the grace of God, the holy martyrs remained unharmed. they received a martyr’s death at the hands of the torturers. Asclepiodota was thrown to the ground and beaten, and then they tied her to a tree and threw stones at her. she was beheaded.

Bulgaria, 307, Demetrios of Thrace,Thrace, Bulgaria (Via Egnatia, Maritza River 8) a Slav, tortured fChrist, beheaded
Bulgaria, 307, Demetrios of Thrace,Thrace, Bulgaria (Via Egnatia, Maritza River 8) a Slav fVillage near Amapasos, tortured fChrist, beheaded; Thrace; Martyr Demetrios of Thrace, Commemorated on November 15 Demetrios was a Slav from the village of Davoudio (Dabuda) in Thrace, which was near the town of Amapasos. He was arrested in the time of Emperor Maximian and the Archon Publius, about the year 298 (some sources say 307). After suffering many tortures for Christ, he was finally beheaded.

Bulgaria, 308, 40 Women aHeraclea Sintica, Bulgaria, no idol sacrifice, tortured by Licinius, beheaded, metal balls in mouth
Bulgaria, 308, Heraclea Sintica, Thrace, Bulgaria (Strumitza Mouth, Strymon River 9), not sacrifice to idols, Tortured by Licinius, beheaded, burned, metal balls in mouth, stabbed; Heraclea Sintica; 40 Women Martyrs at Heraclea, in Thrace, Commemorated September 1 ; 40 Holy Virgins and Saint Ammoun the Deacon, were from Adrianopolis in Macedonia. Deacon Ammoun was their guide in Christian Faith. were captured by Baudos the governor, and were tortured because they would not offer sacrifice to idols. holy martyrs endured many cruel torments, which were intended to force them to renounce Christ and worship idols. they were sent to Heraclea in Thrace to appear before the tyrant Licinius. The valiant martyrs remained unshakeable, however. Ammoun and eight of the virgins were beheaded, ten virgins were burned, six of them died after heated metal balls were put into their mouths, six were stabbed with knives, and the rest were struck in the mouth and stabbed in the heart with swords.

Bulgaria, 343, Council of Serdica (Sardica), Modern Sophia, Bulgaria, failed to bring East & West Church together
Council of Sardica ; St Cyril the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 18;

Bulgaria, 376-382, Fritigern, Gothic War of 376-382
Fritigern; Gothic War (376-“382) ; Greatmartyr Nicetas the Goth, Commemorated on September 15; Thervingi people;

Bulgaria, 372, Gothic Saint, Nicetas the Goth, danube region, ven by Rus, soldier, archangel Michael, Cilicia
Byzantine Period, Gothic Saint, 372, Nicetas the Goth; is a Christian martyr of the 4th century, venerated particularly in the Russian Orthodox Church. His feastday is 15 September.[1] a Gothic soldier, lived in the Danube region at the margins of the Byzantine Empire.[2] Presumably, he received his Greek name on the occasion of his baptism by the Gothic bishop Theophilus, a participant in the First Ecumenical Council. Pagan Goths began to oppose the spread of Christianity, which resulted in internecine strife. Nicetas fought in the Gothic civil war between the pagan Athanaric and the Christian Fritigern. the defeat of Athanaric and after the invention of Gothic alphabets by Ulfilas, Nicetas worked intensely among the Goths.[2 He was condemned to the stake in 372. According to his Passio, the devil, shaped as an angel, induced Nicetas to sacrifice to the pagan gods for saving his life; Nicetas, however, put him to flight by means of prayer and assisted by archangel Michael. His body was buried it in Cilicia, and later transferred to Constantinople. Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, and Cyprus there are several churches and monasteries named after St Nicetas. See Church of Saint Nicetas. Nicetas is prayed to for the preservation of children from birth defects.[2] Byzantine Period, Gothic Civil War, 376-382, Eastern Roman Empire; Greatmartyr Nicetas the Goth, Commemorated on September 15; Holy Great Martyr Nicetas was a Goth (a Germanic tribe). He was born and lived on the banks of the Danube River, suffering for Christ in the year 372. The Christian Faith was already spreading throughout the territory of the Goths at that time. Saint Nikḗtas believed in Christ and was baptized by the Gothic bishop Theophilos, who participated in the First Ecumenical Council. Pagan Goths started to oppose the spread of Christianity, which resulted in a civil war. Fritigern, at the head of a Christian army, defeated the pagan Athanaric, the Christian Faith continued to spread among the Goths. The Arian bishop Ulfilas, the successor to Bishop Theophilos, created a Gothic alphabet and translated many priestly books into the Gothic language. Saint Nicetas worked tirelessly among his fellow Goths to teach them about Christ. Through his personal example and inspired words, he brought many of them to the Christian Faith. his defeat, however, Athanaric managed to regroup his forces. He returned to his own country and regained his former power. Since he remained a pagan, he continued to hate the Christians and persecuted them, seeking revenge for the humiliation he had endured at their hands. Nikḗtas had to contend against both visible and invisible enemies. In opposing these invisible enemies, he converted many pagans to Christ, and strengthened the faithful for the contest of martyrdom. Filled with zeal for God, the Saint denounced the persecutor Athanaric for his cruelty and impiety, because he subjected the Christians to severe torments. Nicetas prevailed against both of these enemies. He trampled the devil underfoot, and defeated Athanaric in battle. The cruel tormentor was troubled because he was unable to convert Saint Nikḗtas to his own impiety, and so he resolved to capture the Saint and put him to death. Nicetas endured many tortures, and then he was thrown into a fire. Although his body was not burnt by the fire, he surrendered his soul to God, and his relics were illumined by a radiant light. By night, a Christian named Marianus, took the body of Saint Nicetas, and buried it in Cilicia. Afterward, it was transferred to Constantinople. Part of the relics of the Great Martyr Nicetas were later given to the monastery of Vysokie Dechani in Serbia. Thus Saint Nicetas received an unfading crown of glory from Christ on September 15, 372. pray to Saint Nicetas for the preservation of children from birth defects. AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397);

Bulgaria, 372, Novoniketa Icon, Dacia, appeared on boy' chest in the night, Niketas baptised right away
Temple of St. Nicetas the Martyr on Shvivaya Hill beyond Yauza; Icon of the Mother of God of Novoniketa, Commemorated on September 15; is one of the most ancient icons of the Mother of God. It appeared to the holy martyr Nikḗtas (+ September 15, 372). Saint Nikḗtas, a former soldier, was a disciple of Bishop Theophilos of the Goths. Even before he was baptized, he saw a Child in a dream, holding a Cross in His hand. When he awakened, he thought about this for a long time, but was unable to understand what this vision signified. A Christian girl named Juliana, who had a special revelation from God, told him to look down at his chest. his unspeakable surprise, Nikḗtas found an Icon of the Mother of God on his chest. She held her divine Child on her lap, and He was holding a Cross in His hand. "This is the same Icon I saw in my dream," the startled Nikḗtas cried. The appearance of the Icon made such an impression on him that he was baptized right away. afterward, the persecution of Christians began, and Saint Nikḗtas received the crown of martyrdom along with many other confessors. When he was being led to the place of execution, he had on his chest, under his clothes, the Icon of the Mother of God which had appeared to him. was established that the Novonikḗta Icon of the Mother of God should be commemorated on the day of Saint Nikḗtas's martyrdom. list of miracles from this Icon is in Moscow, in the court cathedral, which is dedicated to the All-Merciful Savior, at the Gate of Saint Nikḗtas.

Bulgaria, 378, Battle of Adrianople, Thrace, Gothic Civil War of 376-382, Valens dies by fire
Bulgaria, Battle of Adrianople, 378, Gothic Civil War of 376-382 ; Venerable Isaac the Ascetic of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on August 3; Greatmartyr Nicetas the Goth, Commemorated on September 15 ;

Bulgaria, 400, 5th Century Folder, Daniel the Stylite

Bulgaria, 420-480, Daniel t Stylite, Thracian Wilderness, after Stylite Simeon visited Samosata, prophecy his S
Syria, 420-480, Daniel the Stylite, Samosata, Armenia (Euphrates River 3), mother dedicated him, after 5 yrs received name, left for manastery at 12, angelic garb, Stylite Simeon visited, prophecy his S, ascetic life, S place vision, Thrace wilderness, on p 33 yrs, healing, prayers for B Emperors, great fire prophecy, gracious words, 80 yrs; Samosata; Venerable Daniel the Stylite of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 11 ; Daniel the Stylite was born in the village of Bethara, near the city of Samosata in Mesopotamia. mother Martha was childless for a long while and in her prayers she vowed that if she had a child, she would dedicate him to the Lord. Her prayers were heard, and Martha soon gave birth to a son, who was without a name until he was five years of age. boy’s parents desired that since he was born through the good-will of God, he should also receive his name from God. took their son to a monastery located nearby and approached the igumen. The igumen gave orders to take down one of the service books, and unrolled it at random. He found the Prophet Daniel (December 17) mentioned in it. Thus did the boy receive his name. parents asked that he might remain at the monastery, but the igumen would not accept him, since he was still only a small boy. At twelve years of age, saying nothing to anyone, the child left home for the monastery. parents were happy when they learned where their son was, and they went to the monastery. Seeing that he was still going about in his worldly clothes, they besought that the igumen should clothe him in the angelic garb. That Sunday the igumen fulfilled their request, but permitted them often to visit their son. The brethren of the monastery were astonished at the saint’s ascetical efforts. Saint Simeon the Stylite (September 1) visited the monastery. He foretold to the young monk that he too would undertake the feat of pillar-dwelling. Daniel continued with his ascetic life in seclusion. the place of a new exploit was revealed to him in a vision, he withdrew into the Thracian wilderness together with two disciples. They set up a pillar, upon which Saint Daniel dwelt for 33 years. thronged to the pillar, the unfortunate and those who were sick, and all received help and healing from Saint Daniel. emperors also sought the prayers of the holy ascetic. most notable of the saint’s predictions was about a great fire in Constantinople. Saint Daniel possessed also the gift of gracious words. He guided many onto the path of correcting their lives. The monk reposed in his eightieth year.

Bulgaria, 600, 7th Century Folder, Bulgars 632-668, Old Great Bularia

Bulgaria, 601-662, Maximus tConfessor, most effective against Monothelite heresy, divine light candels over grave
Bithynia, 601-662, Maximus tConfessor, excellent ed, Heraclius first secretary but he Monothelite, resigned, went west because M rapid spread in East, fConstantinople tChrysopolis, Bithynia, simple monk Igumen, 638 edict Exposition oFaith, everyone must accept One will in two natures, Max successfully defended Orthodoxy tPeople, invisible attraction tHim, refuge in West, where Monothelitism rejected, Africa visit, 4th EC had condemned Monophysite's only one nature (divine), MThelite only one divine will &Energy, another path tMPhysite heresy, Armenia, Syria, Egypt heretics in East, fanned by Nationalism, unity threat, MTheites controlled Eastern Patriarchal thrones, Sergius iConstantinople, Athanasius iAntioch, Cyrus iAlexandria, Max tCrete tPreach, clashed w Nestorian & Severus Bishop, tAlexandria 6yrs, till 641 new Monothelite Emperor and Patriarch, intensified assaults tOrthodox, tCarthage preach 5yrs, Constantinople Patriarch Pyrrhus excaped there, debated Max, became Orthodox, wrote book, traveled Rome wMax, Pope Theodore received them, 647 Max returned Carthage, there Council condemned MTheletism as heracy, 648 new edict rrom Constans & Partiarch Paul, Pattern otFaith, forbid will debates, Max asked new Pope convene Latern Council, 649 150 Western & 37 Eastern reps, L council condemned Mthelitsm & Typos (faith pattern), false teachings anathematized, So Constans II arested Max and new Pope Mrtin, 654 Prison, 656 sent tTrace, later back to C Prison, Max & disciples tounge cut out Right hand cut off, exiled tSkemarum, Scythia, time of death revealed 662, 3 miracle candels burned over grave, many healings there; Chrysopolis; Chrysopolis Monastery Chrysopolis in Macedonia? Venerable Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on January 21 Maximus the Confessor was born in Constantinople around 580 raised in a pious Christian family. received an excellent education, studying philosophy, grammar, and rhetoric. was well-read in the authors of antiquity he also mastered philosophy and theology. Saint Maximus entered into government service, he became first secretary (asekretis) and chief counselor to the emperor Heraclius (611-641), was impressed by his knowledge and virtuous life. Maximus soon realized that the emperor and many others had been corrupted by the Monothelite heresy, was spreading rapidly through the East. resigned from his duties at court, went to the Chrysopolis monastery (at Skutari on the opposite shore of the Bosphorus), he received monastic tonsure. of his humility and wisdom, he soon won the love of the brethren and was chosen igumen of the monastery after a few years. in this position, he remained a simple monk. 638, the emperor Heraclius and Patriarch Sergius tried to minimize the importance of differences in belief, they issued an edict, the “Ekthesis” (“Ekthesis tes pisteos” or “Exposition of Faith),” decreed that everyone must accept the teaching of one will in the two natures of the Savior. defending Orthodoxy against the “Ekthesis,” Saint Maximus spoke to people in various occupations and positions, and these conversations were successful. only the clergy and the bishops, but also the people and the secular officials felt some sort of invisible attraction to him, as we read in his Life. Saint Maximus saw what turmoil this heresy caused in Constantinople and in the East, decided to leave his monastery and seek refuge in the West, Monothelitism had been completely rejected. the way, he visited the bishops of Africa, strengthening them in Orthodoxy, encouraging them not to be deceived by the cunning arguments of the heretics. Fourth Ecumenical Council had condemned the Monophysite heresy, which falsely taught that in the Lord Jesus Christ there was only one nature (the divine). by this erroneous opinion, Monothelite heretics said that in Christ there was only one divine will (“thelema”) only one divine energy (“energia”). of Monothelitism sought to return by another path to the repudiated Monophysite heresy. found numerous adherents in Armenia, Syria, Egypt. heresy, fanned also by nationalistic animosities, became a serious threat to Church unity in the East. struggle of Orthodoxy with heresy was particularly difficult in the year 630, three of the patriarchal thrones in the Orthodox East were occupied by Monothelites: by Sergius, by Athanasius, Alexandria by Cyrus. Maximus traveled from Alexandria to Crete, where he began his preaching activity. clashed there with a bishop, who adhered to the heretical opinions of Severus and Nestorius. saint spent six years in Alexandria and the surrounding area. Sergius died at the end of 638, the emperor Heraclius also died in 641. imperial throne was eventually occupied by his grandson Constans II (642-668), an open adherent of the Monothelite heresy. assaults of the heretics against Orthodoxy intensified. Maximus went to Carthage and he preached there for about five years. the Monothelite Pyrrhus, the successor of Patriarch Sergius, arrived there after fleeing from Constantinople because of court intrigues, and Saint Maximus spent many hours in debate. a result, Pyrrhus publicly acknowledged his error, and was permitted to retain the title of “Patriarch.” He even wrote a book confessing the Orthodox Faith. Maximus and Pyrrhus traveled to Rome to visit Pope Theodore, received Pyrrhus as the Patriarch of Constantinople. the year 647 Saint Maximus returned to Africa. at a council of bishops Monotheletism was condemned as a heresy. 648, a new edict was issued, commissioned by Constans and compiled by Patriarch Paul of Constantinople: “Typos” (“Typos tes pisteos” or “Pattern of the Faith”), forbade any further disputes about one will or two wills in the Lord Jesus Christ. Maximus then asked Saint Martin the Confessor (April 14), the successor of Pope Theodore, to examine the question of Monothelitism at a Church Council. Lateran Council was convened in October of 649. hundred and fifty Western bishops and thirty-seven representatives from the Orthodox East were present, among them Saint Maximus the Confessor. Council condemned Monothelitism, and the Typos. false teachings of Patriarchs Sergius, Paul and Pyrrhus of Constantinople, were also anathematized. Constans II received the decisions of the Council, he gave orders to arrest both Pope Martin and Saint Maximus. emperor’s order was fulfilled only in the year 654. Maximus was accused of treason and locked up in prison. 656 he was sent to Thrace, and was later brought back to a Constantinople prison. saint and two of his disciples were subjected to the cruelest torments. Each one’s tongue was cut out, and his right hand was cut off. they were exiled to Skemarum in Scythia, enduring many sufferings and difficulties on the journey. three years, the Lord revaled to Saint Maximus the time of his death (August 13, 662). candles appeared over the grave of Saint Maximus and burned miraculously. was a sign that Saint Maximus was a beacon of Orthodoxy during his lifetime, and continues to shine forth as an example of virtue for all. Many healings occurred at his tomb. the Greek Prologue, August 13 commemorates the Transfer of the Relics of Saint Maximus to Constantinople, but it could also be the date of the saint’s death. may be that his memory is celebrated on January 21 because August 13 is the Leavetaking of the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Saint Maximus has left to the Church a great theological legacy. His exegetical works contain explanations of difficult passages of Holy Scripture, and include a Commentary on the Lord’s Prayer and on Psalm 59, various “scholia” or “marginalia” (commentaries written in the margin of manuscripts), on treatises of the Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite (October 3) and Saint Gregory the Theologian (January 25). Among the exegetical works of Saint Maximus are his explanation of divine services, entitled “Mystagogia” (“Introduction Concerning the Mystery”). The dogmatic works of Saint Maximus include the Exposition of his dispute with Pyrrhus, and several tracts and letters to various people. In them are contained explanations of the Orthodox teaching on the Divine Essence and the Persons of the Holy Trinity, on the Incarnation of the Word of God, and on “theosis” (“deification”) of human nature. “Nothing in theosis is the product of human nature,” Saint Maximus writes in a letter to his friend Thalassius, “for nature cannot comprehend God. It is only the mercy of God that has the capacity to endow theosis unto the existing... In theosis man (the image of God) becomes likened to God, he rejoices in all the plenitude that does not belong to him by nature, because the grace of the Spirit triumphs within him, and because God acts in him” (Letter 22). Saint Maximus also wrote anthropological works (i.e. concerning man). He deliberates on the nature of the soul and its conscious existence after death. Among his moral compositions, especially important is his “Chapters on Love.” Saint Maximus the Confessor also wrote three hymns in the finest traditions of church hymnography, following the example of Saint Gregory the Theologian. The theology of Saint Maximus the Confessor, based on the spiritual experience of the knowledge of the great Desert Fathers, and utilizing the skilled art of dialectics worked out by pre-Christian philosophy, was continued and developed in the works of Saint Simeon the New Theologian (March 12), and Saint Gregory Palamas (November 14).

Bulgaria, 632-668, Bulgars, 7th Century, Old Great Bulgaria, 632-668
Bulghars, 7th Century, Old Great Bulgaria, 632-668; Bulgars, 7th Century; Martyr Manuel the Bishop in Bulgaria, Commemorated on January 22;

Bulgaria, 681-1018, Folder, First Bulgarian Empire Folder

Bulgaria, 681-699, 7th Century Folder, Pagan

Bulgaria, 700, 8th Century Folder, Pagan

Bulgaria, 768-777, Telerig of Bulgaria, Tsar, Byzantine war, treaty, breaks t by failing to grab people, fled tB, bChristian
Bulgaria, 768-777, Telerig of Bulgaria, Tsar, 1774 Constantine V against B, disembarked, Byzantine &B Treaty, however 1774 T raided Berzitia, macedonia tTransfer population tBulgaria, but C V resounding victory, contrary black sea winds failed subsequent attack oBulgarai, Teleg emissary to C V for refuge with assurances, T suceeded, agents betrayed by CV, B retaliation didn't happen, 1777 Telerig fled to Leo IV, in C Teleg became Christian, married Eirene's cousin; Bulgarian Tsar, 768-777, Telerig of Bulgaria; (Bulgarian: Телериг) was the ruler of Bulgaria from 768 to 777. Telerig is first mentioned by Byzantine sources in 774, he is considered as he immediate successor of Pagan, who was murdered in 768. May 774, Byzantine Emperor Constantine V embarked on a major expedition against Bulgaria, his field army on land and dispatched a fleet of 2000 ships carrying horsemen towards the Danube Delta. The fleet disembarked in the vicinity of Varna, but Constantine did not press his potential advantage and inexplicably retreated. afterwards, both sides signed a truce promising the cessation of hostilities. in October 774, Telerig sent an army of 12,000 men to raid Berzitia, Macedonia, and transfer its population to Bulgaria. a large army of 80,00 troops, Constantine surprised the Bulgarians and won a resounding victory. subsequent attack on Bulgaria failed since the imperial fleet had encountered contrary winds in the Black Sea. then sent a secret emissary to Constantine that indicated his intention to flee Bulgaria and to seek refuge with the emperor and sought assurances of hospitality and a list of Byzantines who might help him. succeeded in having Constantine betray his own agents in Bulgaria, who were duly rounded up and executed. expected Byzantine retaliation failed to materialise, as Constantine died in 775. spite of his apparent success, Telerig found it necessary to flee to the new Byzantine emperor, Leo IV the Khazar, in 777. The Byzantine government gave Telerig asylum and the title of patrikios. converted to Christianity under the name of Theophylaktos and married a cousin of Empress Eirene. Venerable Peter of Constantinople, Commemorated on July 1 ;

Bulgaria, 1771, Damascene tNew, fBulgaria tHilandar, igumen business trips, Martyred b false t, God killed evil-doers
Greece, Mt Athos, 1771, Hieromartyr Damascene tNew, fGabrovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 1) near Trnovo, tHilandar as young man, deacon, priest, later igumen, often journeyed monastery business, Martyred at Svishtov iSerbian Bulgaria collecting rent, to avoid moslems set him up, accused him impropriety wMoslem woman, Judge did not believe but since moslems gave false testimony he was hanged, he was sorry they did not understand why he accepted death versus moslem faith, God killed evil-doers in storm over Danube; Gabrovo, Bulgaria ; Hieromartyr Damascene of Hilandar of Mt Athos, Commemorated January 16 ; Hieromartyr Damascene the New was born in the village of Gabrovo of the Trnovo diocese in Bulgaria. left his home as a young man and went to the Hilandar monastery on Mount Athos. time, he was ordained deacon and priest, fulfilling various obediences in the monastery. he was chosen as the igumen. Damascene often journeyed to various places on monastery business. day Father Damascene was sent to Svishtov [Svištov, in Serbian], Bulgaria collect rent from a Moslem on some property owned by the monastery. avoid paying the debt, the man sent a Moslem woman to the room where the saint was staying. he and others broke in and accused Father Damascene of impropriety. he was found guilty, he could be put to death. kadi (judge) did not believe that Father Damascene was guilty of the charges, since the other Moslems had given false testimony against him, judge had to find him guilty. taking him to be executed, he was given the choice of being put to death, or of saving his life by converting to Islam. saint replied, “I was born a Christian, and I shall die a Christian; for to deny Christ is to forfeit eternal life. would be madness if I agreed to preserve this temporary life in exchange for eternal perdition. am sorry for you if you do not understand this.” that nothing would induce the saint to deny Christ and accept their religion, the Moslems brought him to the place of execution. Damascene asked for some time to pray, and his request was granted. After completing his prayers he made the Sign of the Cross and told them that he was ready. holy New Martyr Damascene was hanged at Svishtov on January 16, 1771, and received an incorruptible crown of glory from Christ. wrath of God was not slow in overtaking the evil-doers, however. they put the saint to death they got into a boat to cross the Danube River, and the boat capsized in a storm, drowning them.

Bulgaria, 777-803, Kardam of Bulgaria, Tsar, order restored by standing ground against Byzantium i791, 792, 796, so C dethroned
Bulgaria, 777-803, Kardam of Bulgaria, Bulgarian Tsar, restoration of order in Bulgaria by standing ground against Constine VI i791, 792, 796, so C dethroned by mother Irene in 797 ; Bulgarian Tsar, 777-803, Kardam of Bulgaria ; was the ruler of the First Bulgarian Empire (777 – after 796/before 803). name of Kardam is first encountered in the Byzantine sources in 791, when Emperor Constantine VI embarked on an expedition against Bulgaria, in retaliation for Bulgarian incursions in the Struma valley since 789. Kardam pre-empted the Byzantine invasion and met the enemy near Adrianople in Thrace. The Byzantine army was defeated and turned to flight. Bulgarian Empire (680- 803). Shown are battles of Kardam 792 Constantine VI led another army against the Bulgarians and encamped at Marcellae (near Karnobat), which he proceeded to fortify. arrived with his army on July 20 and occupied the neighboring heights. After some time passed with the two forces sizing up, VI gave in to the reassuring advice of a "false prophet" and ordered the attack. But the Byzantine forces lost formation and once again were defeated and turned to flight, while Kardam captured the imperial tent and the emperor's servants. his return to Constantinople, Constantine VI signed a peace treaty and undertook to pay an annual tribute to Bulgaria. 796 the imperial government was recalcitrant and Kardam found it necessary to demand the tribute while threatening to devastate Thrace if it were not paid. to the chronicler Theophanes the Confessor, VI mocked the demand by having dung sent instead of gold as "fitting tribute" and promising to lead a new army against the elderly Kardam at Marcellae. again the emperor headed north, and once again he encountered Kardam in the vicinity of Adrianople. armies faced each other for 17 days without entering into battle, while the two monarchs probably engaged in negotiations. In the end conflict was averted and the peace resumed on the same terms as in 792. reign of Kardam represents the restoration of order in Bulgaria, which had suffered from a rapid turnover of rulers and had been repeatedly defeated by the Byzantines in the third quarter of the 8th century. not only stood his ground against Constantine VI (who was trying to emulate his much more successful grandfather and namesake Constantine V), he may have succeeded in precipitating a crisis at the Byzantine court, where Constantine VI's repeated failures undermined the emperor's position and he was dethroned by his mother Irene in 797. probably did not long survive his opponent, as he is not heard of after 796 and was already dead in 803. Venerable Peter of Constantinople, Commemorated on July 1 ;

Bulgaria, 800-864, 9th Century Folder, Pagan

Bulgaria, 801-833, Boyan or Enravota, Bulgarian Saint, converted by Byzantine captive (Kinamon) first Bulgarian Saint
Bulgaria, 800-833, Bulgarian Saint, Boyan or Enravota; Enravota or Boyan was the eldest son of Omurtag of Bulgaria and the first Bulgarian Christian martyr, as well as the earliest Bulgarian saint to be canonized. in the early 9th century, Enravota was the elder brother of Malamir of Bulgaria, who succeeded their father Omurtag to the Bulgarian throne in 831. was possibly deprived of the throne because he favoured Christianity, which the boyars feared might endanger the court. long after the death of Omurtag, Enravota asked his brother to release a pious Byzantine captive who had been imprisoned by Omurtag. The captive's sermons persuaded Enravota to convert to Christianity and be baptized. informed of his brother's deeds, Malamir attempted to make him renounce Christianity, but did not succeed. Enravota was killed on the order of Malamir, around 833. 11th-century chronicler Theophylact of Bulgaria claimed he delivered the following prophetic speech before his death: faith, which I now die for, will spread and increase across the whole Bulgarian land, although you may wish to oppress it with my death. In any case, the Sign of Christ will establish itself and churches of God will be built everywhere and pure priests will serve the pure God and will deliver "sacrifice of praise and confession" to the invigorating Trinity. Idols, and priests as well, and their ungodly temples, will crumble and will turn into nothing, as if they had not existed. Besides, you alone (to Malamir), after many years, will cast away your ungodly soul without receiving anything in reward for your cruelty. In the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Enravota's feast day is 28 March. Bulgarian Tsar, 852-889, Boris I ; St Clement the Bishop of Ochrid and Enlightener of the Bulgarians, Commemorated on November 25; Martyr Enravota - Boyan, the Prince of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 28; St. Boris (in Holy Baptism Michael), Equal of the Apostles, Prince and Baptizer of Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 2; St Boris (in Holy Baptism Michael), Equal of the Apostles, Prince and Baptizer of Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 2 ;

Bulgaria, 801-833, Boyan or Enravota, death sentence fBro Malomir (Vladimir), Fulfilled prophecy Christian Bulgarian Land
Bulgaria, 801-833, Boyan, Prince of Bulgaria, bro Malomir (Vladimir) ascended Tzar, free Kinamon, K converts B, ascetic, M demands renounce, B despises idols, death sentence, prophecy Christian Bulgarian Land & death overtake you, so prophecy fulfilled when Presian son Boris christianized Bulgaria; Plisk; Martyr Boyan, Prince of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 28; Holy Martyr Boyan, Prince of Bulgaria, suffered for Christ around the year 830. his pagan brother Malomir [Vladimir] ascended the Bulgarian throne, Prince Boyan asked him to free the learned Christian Kinamon, who had been in prison for a long time for refusing to participate in pagan sacrifices under Prince Obrit (Krutogon), Prince Malomir’s predecessor. consented and gave Kinamon to Prince Boyan as a slave. spoke to Boyan about Christianity, telling him of the errors of paganism and that belief in Christ is necessary for salvation. At the end of their conversation he told the prince, “Without Jesus Christ there is no light for the mind, no life for the soul. He alone is the Teacher of mankind and our Savior. By His death, He has reconciled fallen mankind with God. If you do not wish to perish, believe in the Lord Jesus.” Boyan recognized the truth of his words, and was inspired to ask for Baptism. newly-converted prince was filled with a love of prayer, fasting and contemplation of God. learning about the conversion of his brother to Christianity, demanded that he renounce the Christian Faith and return to paganism. Instead, the holy Prince Boyan answered, “I despise the pagan idols and I revere Christ, the true God. No one shall separate me from the love of Christ.” Malomir, hearing his brother’s reply, sentenced him to death. his martyric death, the holy martyr-prince declared: “The faith for which I now die will spread throughout the Bulgarian land. You vainly imagine that you will stop it by killing me. Temples to the true God will be built, and priests will offer Him true worship. The idols and their foul sacrifices, however, will vanish.” Then he said to his brother Malomir, “You will gain nothing from your cruelty, and death will soon overtake you.” holy martyr was killed by the sword, and his predictions to his brother were the first to be fulfilled. Malomir soon died, and since he had no heir, his elder brother Presian (836-852) succeeded to the throne. Prince Presian’s son, the holy Prince Boris, in holy Baptism Michael (May 2) later Christianized the Bulgarian nation. Thus the prophecy of the holy Martyr Prince Boyan was fulfilled.

Bulgaria, 802-811, Nicholas, resisted inkeeper's daughter, fought Bulgars, only survivor, spared, left world, clairvoyance
Mongols, Khzaria, 802-811, Nicholas, monk of Bulgaria, resisted inkeeper's daughter, fought Bulgars, only survivor, vison, spared because overcame temptation, left world, settled in cave, schemamonk, unceasing prayer for fallen soldiers, granted clairvoyance; Bulgars; Venerable Nicholas the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated on December 24; Nicholas the Former General was a military commander under the Byzantine emperor Nikephoros I (802-811). He was ordered to lead his troops against the Bulgars. On the eve of battle he was approached by the innkeeper’s daughter, but he resisted her shameless attempts to seduce him. his comrades perished in the battle, but Nicholas remained alive. It was revealed to him in a vision that his life was spared because he had overcome temptation. After this Saint Nicholas left the world and settled into a cave. He became a schemamonk, and prayed unceasingly for his fallen soldiers. By his great ascetic efforts he so pleased the Lord, that he was granted the gift of clairvoyance.

Bulgaria, 803-814, Krum, Bulgarian Tsar, doubled Bulgaria in size, wars with Byzantium
Bulgarian Tsar, 803-814, Krum ; [A], often referred to as Krum the Fearsome was the Khan of Bulgaria from sometime between 796 and 803 until his death in 814. During his reign the Bulgarian territory doubled in size, spreading from the middle Danube to the Dnieper and from Odrin to the Tatra Mountains. His able and energetic rule brought law and order to Bulgaria and developed the rudiments of state organization.[1][2] Venerable Peter of Constantinople, Commemorated on July 1 ; Peter was born into a patrician family at Constantinople at the end of the eighth century. During the reign of the Byzantine emperor Nikephoros (802-811) Peter was commissioned as an officer and participated in the campaigns of the Greek army against Bulgaria. one particular battle the emperor was mortally wounded, and Peter was one of many soldiers taken captive. night, while he was praying, the holy Evangelist John the Theologian appeared to him in a vision and released him from captivity. Having returned to Constantinople, Saint Peter left the world and withdrew into a monastery on Mount Olympus (in Asia Minor) and became a monk. There he passed his time in constant ascetic efforts for 34 years under the guidance of Saint Joannicius the Great (November 4). Saint Peter lived all his monastic life in strict fasting and constant vigil, wearing a prickly hair-shirt and going barefoot. He lived the final eight years of his life at Constantinople, where he founded a church and a monastery named for Saint Euandrus. Peter died in 854 in the seventieth year of his life, and was buried in his monastery.

Bulgaria, 811, Martyr Manuel, Bishop of Thrace, Bulgaria (Via Egnatia, Maritza River 8) and 377 Companions slain by Bulgars
Bulgaria, 811, Martyr Manuel, Bishop of Thrace, Bulgaria (Via Egnatia, Maritza River 8) and 377 Companions slain by Bulgars; Thrace; 377 Martyred Companions in Bulgaria, Commemorated on January 22; 377 Christians were captured in Thrace by the Bulgars, and were slain in various ways. the martyrs where the bishops Manuel, George, Peter, and Leontius; the presbyters Sionius, Gabriel, John, Leontius and Parodus.

Bulgaria, 814-831, Omurtag, Tsar, 30 year peace w Byzantines, coped w Franks, Builder
Bulgarian Tsar, 814-831, Omurtag of Bulgaria; (or Omortag) was a Great Khan (Kanasubigi)[3] of Bulgaria from 814 to 831. He is known as "the Builder". the very beginning of his reign he signed a 30-year peace treaty with the neighboring Byzantine Empire which remained in force to the end of his life. Omurtag successfully coped with the aggressive policy of the Frankish Empire to take Bulgaria's north-western lands and suppressed the unrest among several Slavic tribes. He made administrative reforms which increased the power and the authority of the central government. His reign was marked with a strong development of Bulgarian architecture with a number of significant construction projects Venerable Peter of Constantinople, Commemorated on July 1 ;

Bulgaria, 831-836, Malamir, Tsar, executed bro christian Enravota (Boyan), 20yr? peace ended by Theophilos
Bulgarian Tsar, 831-836, Malamir ; was the ruler of Bulgaria 831–836. was a son of Omurtag and a grandson of Krum. His name may be of Slavic origin, which would make him the first Bulgar khan to possess a Slavic name; this has led to the speculation that his mother was a Slav, although that cannot be proven. Another theory is that it was an Iranian name, as there is an Iranian city named Malamir. became ruler of Bulgaria in 831 on the death of his father Omurtag, because his older brother Enravota (Voin) had forfeited his right to the succession by becoming a Christian. It is possible that Malamir was young and inexperienced at the time of his accession, and that affairs of state were managed by his kavhan (kaukhanos) Isbul. 833, Malamir executed his brother Enravota for refusing to renounce Christianity. After the expiration of the original 20-year peace treaty(?) with the Byzantine Empire in 836, emperor Theophilos ravaged the regions inside the Bulgarian frontier. The Bulgarians retaliated, and under the leadership of Isbul they reached Adrianople. At this time, if not earlier, the Bulgarians annexed Philippopolis (Plovdiv) and its environs. Several surviving monumental inscriptions from this reign make reference to the Bulgarian victories and others to the continuation of construction activities in and near Pliska. Malamir died in 836, allegedly as retribution for his execution of his older brother. several older studies, Malamir is identified with his successor Presian I, and it is assumed that he survived until the 850s as the direct predecessor of Boris I. This is very unlikely, as Malamir is attested as having been succeeded by his nephew (the son of his brother Zvinitsa), while Boris I was preceded by his father Presian I. Zlatarski resolved the problems in the fragmentary sources by determining that Malamir's unnamed nephew and successor was in fact Presian I, and Boris I was the latter's son. 17th century Volga Bulgar compilation Cagfar TarÃxÄ± (a work of disputed authenticity) represents Balamir (i.e., Malamir) as the son of YomyrÄak (i.e., Omurtag), and as the brother of SabanÅ¡a (i.e., Zvinica), who was the father of BirdÅ¾ihan (i.e., Presian I). Knoll on Greenwich Island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, is named for Khan Malamir of Bulgaria. Martyr Enravota - Boyan, the Prince of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 28;

Bulgaria, 831-836, Malamir of Bulgaria, Tzar, Vladimir, Pagan
Bulgaria, 831-836, Malamir of Bulgaria, Vladimir, Pagan; Martyr Enravota - Boyan, the Prince of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 28;

Bulgaria, 836-852, Presian I of Bulgaria, Tzar, Pagan, Bulgarian expansion in Macedonia, war w Serbia
Bulgaria, 836-852, Tzar, Presian I of Bulgaria; was the Khan of Bulgaria from 836–852. He ruled during an extensive expansion in Macedonia. composite picture of the Byzantine sources indicates that Presian I was the son of Zvinitsa, who was a son of Omurtag. In several older studies Presian is identified with his short-lived predecessor Malamir and it is assumed that this single character survived until the 850s as the direct predecessor of Boris I. This is very unlikely, as Malamir is attested as having been succeeded by his nephew (the son of his brother Zvinitsa), while Boris I was preceded by his father Presian. Zlatarski resolved the problems in the fragmentary sources by determining that Malamir’s unnamed nephew and successor was in fact Presian, and Boris I was the latter’s son. 17th century Volga Bulgar compilation Cagfar Tarixi, a work of disputed authenticity, represents Birdzhan (i.e., Presian) as the son of Sabansa (i.e., Zvinitsa), which may lend support to the interpretation of his origins now dominant in Bulgarian historiography.[clarification needed] with Serbia and Byzantium[edit] Inscription, sixth plate, Museum, Philippi, Greece. may have been young and inexperienced at the time of his accession, and state affairs may have been dominated by the minister Isbul, as under Presian's uncle Malamir. In 837, soon after Presian's accession, the Slavs in the vicinity of Thessalonica rebelled against the Byzantine Empire. Theophilos sought Bulgarian support in putting down the rebellion, but simultaneously arranged for his fleet to sail through the Danube delta and undertake a clandestine evacuation of some of the Byzantine captives settled in trans-Danubian Bulgaria by Krum and Omurtag. under Presian retaliation Isbul campaigned along the Aegean coasts of Thrace and Macedonia and captured the city of Philippi, where he set up a surviving memorial inscription set up in a local church. Isbul's campaign may have resulted in the establishment of Bulgarian suzerainty over the Slavic tribe of the Smolyani. reign coincides with the extension of Bulgarian control over the Slavic tribes in and around Macedonia. It is known that the Serbs and Bulgars lived in peace until Presian invaded Serbian territory in 839, during the last years of Theophilos.[1] Vlastimir, the Knez of Serbia, united several Serbian tribes,[2] and Emperor Theophilos (r. 829–842) granted the Serbs independence;[3] thus, the Serbs acknowledged the nominal overlordship of the Emperor.[1] The annexation of western Macedonia by the Bulgars changed the political situation. Malamir or Presian may have seen a threat in the Serb consolidation, and opted to subjugate them in the midst of the conquest of Slav lands.[1] Another reason might have been that the Byzantines wanted to divert attention in order to cope with the Slav Uprising in the Peloponnese, and so sent the Serbs to instigate the war.[4] Presian[5] invaded Serbian territory in 839. The invasion led to a 3-year war, in which Vlastimir was victorious;[6] Presian was driven out of Serbian territory by Vlastimir's army.[4] In addition to making no territorial gains, Presian suffered heavy losses due to the Serbian tactical advantage in the hills.[7] The war ended with the death of Theophilos in 842, which released Vlastimir from his obligations to the Byzantine Empire.[8] died in 852, and was succeeded by his son Boris I. Bulgaria, 831-836, Malamir of Bulgaria, Vladimir, Pagan; Martyr Enravota - Boyan, the Prince of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 28;

Bulgaria, 850-916, Clement of Ochrid, Bulgaria&Macedonia, Cyril&Method disciple, Slavonic s, Slavery, ransomed, Bulgaria
Albania, 850-916, Clement of Ochrid, Albania, disciple of Cyril and Methodios, services in Slavonic, sold as slaves in 886, ransomed from Venice, Moravia colapsed 907, to Bulgaria, Slavonic s, teach in Kutmichivisa Clement of Ohrid (c. 830-840 – 916) was one of the first Medieval Bulgarian saints,[6] scholar, writer and enlightener of the Slavs.[7][8][9][10][11] was one of the most prominent disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodius and is often associated with the creation of the Glagolitic and Cyrillic scripts, especially their popularisation among Christianised Slavs. was the founder of the Ohrid Literary School and is regarded as a patron of education and language by some Slavic people. is considered to be the first bishop of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church,[12][13] one of the Seven Apostles of Bulgarian Orthodox Church and one of the premier saints of modern Bulgaria.[14] mission of Saint Clement was the crucial factor which transformed the Slavs in Macedonia into Bulgarians.[15] Saint Clement is also the patron saint of North Macedonia, the city of Ohrid[5] and the Macedonian Orthodox Church.[16][17] Ochrid (largest city on Lake Ochrid); Slavs; St Clement the Bishop of Ochrid and Enlightener of the Bulgarians, Commemorated on November 25 ; Clement, Bishop of Ochrid, Equal of the Apostles, Nahum, Savva, Gorazd and Angelar1 were Slavs, disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodios (May 11). first they lived as ascetics in Moravia, where Saint Gorazd succeeded Saint Methodios as bishop. He was fluent in Slavonic, Greek and Latin. Saints Clement, Nahum, Angelar and Savva were priests. Enlighteners of the Slavs were opposed by German missionaries, who had the support of the Pope and the patronage of the Moravian Prince Svyatopolk. struggle centered around the questions of the need for Divine Services in Slavonic, the Filioque, and Saturday fasting. Pope Stephen VI prohibited the use of Slavonic in church. proponents of the three-tongued heresy (who wanted to use only Hebrew, Greek, or Latin for Church Services), after setting aside the ancestral language of the Slavic peoples, brought the disciples of Saint Methodios to trial, including Saint Clement. They subjected them to fierce torture: dragging them through thorns, and holding them in prison for a long time, just as they had done with their Spiritual Father, Saint Methodios. 886, some of the prisoners were sold to slave-traders, and ended up in the Venice marketplace. The ambassador of the Byzantine Emperor Basil the Macedonian went to Venice, ransomed the Saints and took them to Constantinople. The older confessors were banished. It is not known where Saint Gorazd went, nor where Saint Savva found shelter. Saints Nahum and Angelar went to Bulgaria. 907 Moravia collapsed under the onslaught of the Magyars, and Moravian refugees by the same routes followed earlier by the Saints they had exiled. Bulgarians received the Slavonic confessors with respect and requested them to conduct Divine Services in the Slavonic language. Bulgarian Prince Boris sought people such as the disciples of Saint Methodios, who labored for the enlightenment of his nation. Right away, the Saints began to study Slavonic books collected by the Bulgarian nobles. Angelar soon reposed, and Saint Clement was appointed to teach at Kutmichivitsa, in southwest Macedonia. In the Eastern Church, a teacher had to be a worthy person, someone known for his devout life, and who was able to speak well in public. Saint Clement was a teacher while he was still in Moravia. In Bulgaria, he worked as an instructor until 893. He organized a school at the princely court, which was highly regarded by the time of Simeon's reign. In southwest Macedonia he created separate schools for adults and children. Clement instructed the children in reading and in writing. The total number of his students was enormous. Those chosen and accepted for ordination amounted to 3500 men. In the year 893, Saint Clement became Bishop of Dremvitsa, or Velitsa, and Saint Nahum took his place. Clement was the first Bulgarian hierarch to serve, preach and write in the Slavonic language. To this end he systematically trained clergy from among the Slavic people. The holy bishop labored for the glory of God into his old age. When his strength failed, and he was unable to fulfill his responsibilities in the cathedral, he asked Tsar Simeon to let him retire. Tsar urged the Saint not to abandon his cathedral, and Saint Clement agreed to continue his episcopal service. After this he went to Okhrid, to a monastery he founded. There he continued his work of translation, including some important portions of the Pentecostarion. Clement became seriously ill and departed to the Lord in the year 916. His body was placed in a coffin, which he had made with his own hands, and was buried at Okhrid's Saint Panteleimon Monastery. Clement is considered the first Slavonic author. Not only did he continue the translation work begun by Saints Cyril and Methodios, he also left behind works of his own composition, the first samples of Slavonic spiritual literature. of the lessons and sermons of Saint Clement were brought to Russia, where they were read and lovingly copied by devout Russian Christians. relics of Saints Gorazd and Angelar rest near Berat in Albania, and Saint Nahum’s relics are in the monastery which bears his name, near Lake Okhrid. Clement is also commemorated on November 22 (Greek usage), on November 25 (his Name Day), and on July 27 (the day of his blessed repose). His name may come from the Greek word αναγορεύω (to proclaim).

Bulgaria, 850-916, Nahum of Ochrid, Cyril&Methodius, monastery w Clement of O, wonderworker, slavonic translator
Albania, 850-916, Nahum of Ochrid, Cyril&Methodius, of Five Followers, great learning, languages, Rome to Orchrid, monastery w Clement of O, wonderworker, prayer, slavonic translator, incorrupt relics; Ochrid (largest city on Lake Ochrid); St Nahum of Ochrid, the Disciple of St Cyril and Methodius, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated December 23 ; Nahum was a disciple of Saints Cyril and Methodius (May 11), one of their coworkers known as the Five Followers. Nahum was a man of great learning, and he spoke several languages. After a visit to Rome, he settled on the shores of Lake Ochrid. There he built a monastery at the time when Saint Clement of Ochrid (July 27) was serving as a bishop. monks gathered around Saint Nahum, who was known as a great wonderworker and a man of prayer. also labored to translate the Holy Scriptures from Greek into Slavonic. Nahum fell asleep in the Lord in 910, and his holy relics continue to work miracles of healing for those who venerate them in faith.

Bulgaria, 852-889, Boris I, Tsar, Christian, autocephalous Bulgarian Church
Bulgarian Tsar, 852-889, Boris I ; St Clement the Bishop of Ochrid and Enlightener of the Bulgarians, Commemorated on November 25; Martyr Enravota - Boyan, the Prince of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 28; St Boris (in Holy Baptism Michael), Equal of the Apostles, Prince and Baptizer of Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 2 ;

Bulgaria, 855-867, Michael t soldier of Potouka, saintly child, commander, allies fled, rushed center, killed beast on way home
Bulgaria, 855-867, Michael t soldier of Potouka, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2.3, across river from Trnovo), saintly child, commander, Greek allies fled, prayed, rushed center, killed lake beast on way home, died, relics healed, 1800 r transferred to Wallacia; Potuka; Righteous Michael the soldier of Potouka, Bulgaria, Commemorated on November 22 ; Michael the Soldier of Bulgaria, among the first of the Bulgarians to become Christian, lived in the city of Potuka during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Michael III (855-867). still an infant, he was known as a “saintly child.” his youth he led a blameless life, possessed the fear of God, fasted, generously distributed alms to the poor, visited the sick, and was meek and humble. twenty-four years of age Saint Michael was made commander of a troop of soldiers. that time, the Turks were warring against Christians, and Saint Michael inspired his troops by his bravery in battle. the allies of the Bulgarians, the Greeks, fled from the field of battle, he fell to the ground and prayed with tears for the deliverance of the Christians. he led his own soldiers against the enemy. Rushing into the center of the enemy formation, he put them into disarray, and remained unharmed himself. homeward after a battle, he rescued the inhabitants of a certain city in the Raipha wilderness from a huge beast which emerged from a lake and attacked children. came to see this brave soldier when they heard that he had slain the beast they once worshiped as a god. He preached the Gospel to them, and turned them from demon worship and human sacrifice. after he returned home, Saint Michael surrendered his soul to the Lord, Whom he had loved since his youth. He wrought many miracles after death, healing those who came to him with faith. transfer of the relics of the saint from Potuka to Trnovo occurred in the year 1206, and at the beginning of the nineteenth century, they were transferred to Wallachia.

Bulgaria, 860-916, Clement of Ochrid, Enlightener of Bulgarians, s in Slavonic, first s author
Bulgarian Saint, 860-916, Saint Clement of Ohrid; St Clement the Bishop of Ochrid and Enlightener of the Bulgarians, Commemorated on November 25; Clement, Bishop of Ochrid, Equal of the Apostles, Nahum, Savva, Gorazd and Angelar1 were Slavs, disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodios (May 11). At first they lived as ascetics in Moravia, where Saint Gorazd succeeded Saint Methodios as bishop. He was fluent in Slavonic, Greek and Latin. Saints Clement, Nahum, Angelar and Savva were priests. Enlighteners of the Slavs were opposed by German missionaries, who had the support of the Pope and the patronage of the Moravian Prince Svyatopolk. The struggle centered around the questions of the need for Divine Services in Slavonic, the Filioque, and Saturday fasting. Pope Stephen VI prohibited the use of Slavonic in church. proponents of the three-tongued heresy (who wanted to use only Hebrew, Greek, or Latin for Church Services), after setting aside the ancestral language of the Slavic peoples, brought the disciples of Saint Methodios to trial, including Saint Clement. They subjected them to fierce torture: dragging them through thorns, and holding them in prison for a long time, just as they had done with their Spiritual Father, Saint Methodios. 886, some of the prisoners were sold to slave-traders, and ended up in the Venice marketplace. The ambassador of the Byzantine Emperor Basil the Macedonian went to Venice, ransomed the Saints and took them to Constantinople. The older confessors were banished. It is not known where Saint Gorazd went, nor where Saint Savva found shelter. Saints Nahum and Angelar went to Bulgaria. 907 Moravia collapsed under the onslaught of the Magyars, and Moravian refugees by the same routes followed earlier by the Saints they had exiled. Bulgarians received the Slavonic confessors with respect and requested them to conduct Divine Services in the Slavonic language. The Bulgarian Prince Boris sought people such as the disciples of Saint Methodios, who labored for the enlightenment of his nation. Right away, the Saints began to study Slavonic books collected by the Bulgarian nobles. Angelar soon reposed, and Saint Clement was appointed to teach at Kutmichivitsa, in southwest Macedonia. In the Eastern Church, a teacher had to be a worthy person, someone known for his devout life, and who was able to speak well in public. Saint Clement was a teacher while he was still in Moravia. In Bulgaria, he worked as an instructor until 893. He organized a school at the princely court, which was highly regarded by the time of Simeon's reign. In southwest Macedonia he created separate schools for adults and children. Clement instructed the children in reading and in writing. The total number of his students was enormous. Those chosen and accepted for ordination amounted to 3500 men. In the year 893, Saint Clement became Bishop of Dremvitsa, or Velitsa, and Saint Nahum took his place. Clement was the first Bulgarian hierarch to serve, preach and write in the Slavonic language. To this end he systematically trained clergy from among the Slavic people. The holy bishop labored for the glory of God into his old age. When his strength failed, and he was unable to fulfill his responsibilities in the cathedral, he asked Tsar Simeon to let him retire. Tsar urged the Saint not to abandon his cathedral, and Saint Clement agreed to continue his episcopal service. After this he went to Okhrid, to a monastery he founded. There he continued his work of translation, including some important portions of the Pentecostarion. Clement became seriously ill and departed to the Lord in the year 916. His body was placed in a coffin, which he had made with his own hands, and was buried at Okhrid's Saint Panteleimon Monastery. Clement is considered the first Slavonic author. Not only did he continue the translation work begun by Saints Cyril and Methodios, he also left behind works of his own composition, the first samples of Slavonic spiritual literature. of the lessons and sermons of Saint Clement were brought to Russia, where they were read and lovingly copied by devout Russian Christians. relics of Saints Gorazd and Angelar rest near Berat in Albania, and Saint Nahum’s relics are in the monastery which bears his name, near Lake Okhrid. Clement is also commemorated on November 22 (Greek usage), on November 25 (his Name Day), and on July 27 (the day of his blessed repose). St Boris (in Holy Baptism Michael), Equal of the Apostles, Prince and Baptizer of Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 2 ;

Bulgaria, 864-865, Bulgaria converted to the Church, Christianity officially adopted
Bulgaria, 864-865, Bulgaria converted to the Church, Christianity officially adopted; St. Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 6

Bulgaria, 864-899, 9th Century Folder, Orthodox

Bulgaria, 864-865, Bulgaria converted to the Church, Christianity officially adopted
Bulgaria, 864-865, Bulgaria converted to the Church, Christianity officially adopted; St. Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 6; The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Most Holy Mother of God at Blachernae, Commemorated on July 2;

Bulgaria, 865-885, Byzantine Saints, Cyril and Methodius, created cyrilic alphabet for all slavs, pope did not like that
Constantinople, 835-885, Byzantine Saints, Cyril and Methodius, to the slavs in Pannonia, Great Moravia, and Serbia, created cyrilic alphabet for all slavs, pope did not like that, fled to Bulgaria; (born Constantine, 826–869) and Methodius (815–885) were two brothers and Byzantine Christian theologians and missionaries. For their work evangelizing the Slavs, they are known as the "Apostles to the Slavs".[6] are credited with devising the Glagolitic alphabet, the first alphabet used to transcribe Old Church Slavonic.[7] After their deaths, their pupils continued their missionary work among other Slavs. Both brothers are venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church as saints with the title of "equal-to-apostles". In 1880, Pope Leo XIII introduced their feast into the calendar of the Roman Catholic Church. In 1980, Pope John Paul II declared them co-patron saints of Europe, together with Benedict of Nursia.[8] career life two brothers were born in Thessalonica, then located in a Byzantine province with the same name, (today in Greece) – Cyril in about 827–828 and Methodius about 815–820. was reputedly the youngest of seven brothers; he was born Constantine,[9] but was given the name Cyril upon becoming a monk in Rome shortly before his death,[10][11][12] according to the Vita Cyrilli ("The Life of Cyril"). was born Michael and was given the name Methodius upon becoming a monk in Polychron Monastery at Mysian Olympus (present-day Uludağ), in northwest Turkey.[13] father was Leo, a droungarios of the Byzantine theme of Thessalonica, and their mother was Maria. exact ethnic origins of the brothers are unknown, there is controversy as to whether Cyril and Methodius were of Slavic[14] or Greek[15] origin, or both.[16] two brothers lost their father when Cyril was fourteen, and the powerful minister Theoktistos, who was logothetes tou dromou, one of the chief ministers of the Empire, became their protector. was also responsible, along with the regent Bardas, for initiating a far-reaching educational program within the Empire which culminated in the establishment of the University of Magnaura, where Cyril was to teach. Cyril was ordained as priest some time after his education, while his brother Methodius remained a deacon until 867/868.[17] to the Khazars the year 860, Byzantine Emperor Michael III and the Patriarch of Constantinople Photius (a professor of Cyril's at the University and his guiding light in earlier years), sent Cyril on a missionary expedition to the Khazars who had requested a scholar be sent to them who could converse with both Jews and Saracens.[18] has been claimed that Methodius accompanied Cyril on the mission to the Khazars, but this may be a later invention.[citation needed] account of his life presented in the Latin "Legenda" claims that he learned the Khazar language while in Chersonesos, in Taurica (today Crimea). his return to Constantinople, Cyril assumed the role of professor of philosophy at the University while his brother had by this time become a significant figure in Byzantine political and administrative affairs, and an abbot of his monastery.[citation needed] to the Slavs Moravia Cyril and Methodius, painting by Jan Matejko, 1885 862, the brothers began the work which would give them their historical importance. year Prince Rastislav of Great Moravia requested that Emperor Michael III and the Patriarch Photius send missionaries to evangelize his Slavic subjects. His motives in doing so were probably more political than religious. Rastislav had become king with the support of the Frankish ruler Louis the German, but subsequently sought to assert his independence from the Franks. It is a common misconception that Cyril and Methodius were the first to bring Christianity to Moravia, but the letter from Rastislav to Michael III states clearly that Rastislav's people "had already rejected paganism and adhere to the Christian law."[19] Rastislav is said to have expelled missionaries of the Roman Church and instead turned to Constantinople for ecclesiastical assistance and, presumably, a degree of political support.[20] Emperor quickly chose to send Cyril, accompanied by his brother Methodius.[21] The request provided a convenient opportunity to expand Byzantine influence. Their first work seems to have been the training of assistants. 863, they began the task of translating the Gospels and necessary liturgical books into the language now known as Old Church Slavonic[22] and traveled to Great Moravia to promote it.[23] They enjoyed considerable success in this endeavour. they came into conflict with German ecclesiastics who opposed their efforts to create a specifically Slavic liturgy. the purpose of this mission, they devised the Glagolitic alphabet, the first alphabet to be used for Slavonic manuscripts. The Glagolitic alphabet was suited to match the specific features of the Slavic language. Its descendant script, the Cyrillic, is still used by many languages today.[20] brothers wrote the first Slavic Civil Code, which was used in Great Moravia. language derived from Old Church Slavonic, known as Church Slavonic, is still used in liturgy by several Orthodox Churches and also in some Eastern Catholic churches. is impossible to determine with certainty exactly what the brothers translated. The New Testament and the Psalms seem to have been the first, followed by other lessons from the Old Testament.[citation needed] The "Translatio" speaks only of a version of the Gospels by Cyril, and the "Vita Methodii" only of the "evangelium Slovenicum," though other liturgical selections may also have been translated. is it known for sure which liturgy, that of Rome or that of Constantinople, they took as a source. may well have used the Roman alphabet, as suggested by liturgical fragments which adhere closely to the Latin type. This view is confirmed by the "Prague Fragments" and by certain Old Glagolitic liturgical fragments brought from Jerusalem to Kiev and discovered there by Izmail Sreznevsky—probably the oldest document for the Slavonic tongue; these adhere closely to the Latin type, as is shown by the words "Mass," "Preface," and the name of one Felicitas. any case, the circumstances were such that the brothers could hope for no permanent success without obtaining the authorization of Rome. to Rome Saints Cyril and Methodius in Rome. Fresco in San Clemente mission of Constantine and Methodius had great success among Slavs in part because they used the people's native language rather than Latin or Greek. Great Moravia, Constantine and Methodius also encountered missionaries from East Francia, representing the western or Latin branch of the Church, and more particularly representing the Carolingian Empire as founded by Charlemagne, and committed to linguistic, and cultural uniformity. They insisted on the use of the Latin liturgy, and they regarded Moravia and the Slavic peoples as part of their rightful mission field. friction developed, the brothers, unwilling to be a cause of dissension among Christians, decided to travel to Rome to see the Pope, and seek a solution that would avoid quarreling between missionaries in the field. 867, Pope Nicholas I (858-867) invited the brothers to Rome. Their evangelizing mission in Moravia had by this time become the focus of a dispute with Archbishop Adalwin of Salzburg (859–873) and Bishop Ermanrich of Passau (866-874), who claimed ecclesiastical control of the same territory and wished to see it use the Latin liturgy exclusively. with the relics of Saint Clement and a retinue of disciples, and passing through Pannonia (the Balaton Principality), where they were well received by Prince Koceľ. activity in Pannonia made a continuation of conflicts inevitable with the German episcopate, and especially with the bishop of Salzburg, to whose jurisdiction Pannonia had belonged for seventy-five years. As early as 865, Bishop Adalwin was found to exercise Episcopal rights there, and the administration under him was in the hands of the archpriest Riehbald. The latter was obliged to retire to Salzburg, but his superior was naturally disinclined to abandon his claims. brothers sought support from Rome, and arrived there in 868, where they were warmly received. This was partly due to their bringing with them the relics of Saint Clement; the rivalry with Constantinople as to the jurisdiction over the territory of the Slavs would incline Rome to value the brothers and their influence.[20] Pope Adrian II (867-872) gave Methodius the title of Archbishop of Sirmium (now Sremska Mitrovica in Serbia) and sent him back in 869, with jurisdiction over all of Moravia and Pannonia, and authorisation to use the Slavonic Liturgy.[24] brothers were praised for their learning and cultivated for their influence in Constantinople. Anastasius Bibliothecarius would later call Cyril "a man of apostolic life" and "a man of great wisdom".[25] project in Moravia found support from Pope Adrian II, who formally authorized the use of the new Slavic liturgy. Methodius was ordained as priest by the pope himself, and five Slavic disciples were ordained as priests (Saint Gorazd, Saint Clement of Ohrid and Saint Naum) and as deacons (Saint Angelar and Saint Sava) by the prominent bishops Formosus and Gauderic.[26] and Methodius along with these five disciples are collectively venerated (mainly by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church) as "Seven Saints".[27] The newly made priests officiated in their own languages at the altars of some of the principal churches. Feeling his end approaching, Cyril became a Basilian monk, was given the new name Cyril,[28] and died in Rome fifty days later (14 February 869). There is some question as to assertion of the Translatio (ix.) that he was made a bishop. statement of the "Vita" that Methodius was made bishop in 870 and not raised to the dignity of an archbishop until 873 is contradicted by the brief of Pope John VIII, written in June 879, according to which Adrian consecrated him archbishop; John includes in his jurisdiction not only Great Moravia and Pannonia, but Serbia as well. alone Saint Cyril and Methodius by Stanislav Dospevski, Bulgarian painter now continued the work among the Slavs alone; not at first in Great Moravia, but in Pannonia (in the Balaton Principality), owing to the political circumstances of the former country, where Rastislav had been taken captive by his nephew Svatopluk in 870, then delivered over to Carloman of Bavaria, and condemned in a diet held at Regensburg at the end of 870. the same time, the East Frankish rulers and their bishops decided to remove Methodius. The archiepiscopal claims of Methodius were considered such an injury to the rights of Salzburg that he was captured and forced to answer to East Frankish bishops: Adalwin of Salzburg, Ermanrich of Passau, and Anno of Freising. a heated discussion, they declared the deposition of the intruder, and ordered him to be sent to Germany, where he was kept prisoner in a monastery for two and a half years.[29] spite of the strong representations of the Conversio Bagoariorum et Carantanorum, written in 871 to influence the pope, though not avowing this purpose, Rome declared emphatically for Methodius, and sent a bishop, Paul of Ancona, to reinstate him and punish his enemies, after which both parties were commanded to appear in Rome with the legate. Thus in 873, new Pope John VIII (872-882) secured the release of Methodius, but instructed him to stop using the Slavonic Liturgy.[30] final years papal will prevailed, and Methodius secured his freedom and his archiepiscopal authority over both Great Moravia and Pannonia, though the use of Slavonic for the mass was still denied to him. authority was restricted in Pannonia when after Koceľ's death the principality was administered by German nobles; but Svatopluk now ruled with practical independence in Great Moravia, and expelled the German clergy. This apparently secured an undisturbed field of operation for Methodius, and the Vita (x.) depicts the next few years (873–879) as a period of fruitful progress. seems to have disregarded, wholly or in part, the prohibition of the Slavonic liturgy; and when Frankish clerics again found their way into the country, and the archbishop's strictness had displeased the licentious Svatopluk, this was made a cause of complaint against him at Rome, coupled with charges regarding the Filioque. 878, Methodius was summoned to Rome on charges of heresy and using Slavonic. This time Pope John was convinced by the arguments that Methodius made in his defence and sent him back cleared of all charges, and with permission to use Slavonic. Carolingian bishop who succeeded him, Witching, suppressed the Slavonic Liturgy and forced the followers of Methodius into exile. Many found refuge with Knyaz Boris of Bulgaria, under whom they reorganised a Slavic-speaking Church. Meanwhile, Pope John's successors adopted a Latin-only policy which lasted for centuries. vindicated his orthodoxy at Rome, the more easily as the creed was still recited there without the Filioque, and promised to obey in regard to the liturgy. The other party was conciliated by giving him a Swabian, Wiching, as his coadjutor. When relations were strained between the two, John VIII steadfastly supported Methodius; but after his death (December 882) the archbishop's position became insecure, and his need of support induced Goetz to accept the statement of the Vita (xiii.) that he went to visit the Eastern emperor. was not until after Methodius' death, which is placed on 6 April 885,[31] that the animosity erupted into an open conflict. whom Methodius had designated as his successor, was not recognised by Pope Stephen V. The same Pope forbade the use of the Slavic liturgy[32] and placed the infamous Wiching as Methodius' successor. latter exiled the disciples of the two brothers from Great Moravia in 885. fled to the First Bulgarian Empire, where they were welcomed and commissioned to establish theological schools. they and scholar Saint Clement of Ohrid[33] devised the Cyrillic script on the basis of the Glagolitic. gradually replaced Glagolitic as the alphabet of the Old Church Slavonic language, which became the official language of the Bulgarian Empire and later spread to the Eastern Slav lands of Kievan Rus'. eventually spread throughout most of the Slavic world to become the standard alphabet in the Eastern Orthodox Slavic countries. Cyril and Methodius' efforts also paved the way for the spread of Christianity throughout Eastern Europe. body was buried in the main cathedral church of Great Moravia. Until today it remains an open question which city was capital of Great Moravia and therefore the place of Methodius' eternal rest remains unknown.[34] of the Glagolitic and Cyrillic alphabets Glagolitic and Cyrillic alphabets are the oldest known Slavic alphabets, and were created by the two brothers and their students, to translate the Gospels and liturgical books[22] into the Slavic languages.[35] The early Glagolitic alphabet was used in Great Moravia between 863 (the arrival of Cyril and Methodius) and 885 (the expulsion of their students) for government and religious documents and books, and at the Great Moravian Academy (Veľkomoravské učilište) founded by Cyril, where followers of Cyril and Methodius were educated, by Methodius himself among others. The alphabet has been traditionally attributed to Cyril. That attribution has been confirmed explicitly by the papal letter Industriae tuae (880) approving the use of Old Church Slavonic, which says that the alphabet was "invented by Constantine the Philosopher". The term invention need not exclude the possibility of the brothers having made use of earlier letters, but implies only that before that time the Slavic languages had no distinct script of their own. early Cyrillic alphabet was developed in the First Bulgarian Empire[36] and later finalized and spread by disciples Kliment and Naum in the Ohrid and Preslav schools of Tsar Boris I of Bulgaria[37] as a simplification of the Glagolitic alphabet which more closely resembled the Greek alphabet. It was developed by the disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodius at the Preslav Literary School at the end of the 9th century. the death of Cyril, Clement of Ohrid accompanied Methodius from Rome to Pannonia and Great Moravia. After the death of Methodius in 885, Clement headed the struggle against the German clergy in Great Moravia along with Gorazd. After spending some time in jail, he was expelled from Great Moravia, and in 885 or 886 reached the borders of the Bulgarian Empire together with Naum of Preslav, Angelarius, and possibly Gorazd (according to other sources, Gorazd was already dead by that time). The four of them were afterwards sent to the Bulgarian capital of Pliska, where they were commissioned by Tsar Boris I of Bulgaria to instruct the future clergy of the state in the Slavonic language. the adoption of Christianity in 865, religious ceremonies in Bulgaria were conducted in Greek by clergy sent from the Byzantine Empire. Fearing growing Byzantine influence and weakening of the state, Boris viewed the adoption of the Old Slavonic language as a way to preserve the political independence and stability of Bulgaria, so he established two literary schools (academies), in Pliska and Ohrid, where theology was to be taught in the Slavonic language. While Naum of Preslav stayed in Pliska working on the foundation of the Pliska Literary School, Clement was commissioned by Boris I to organise the teaching of theology to future clergymen in Old Church Slavonic at the Ohrid Literary School. For seven years (886-893) Clement taught some 3,500 students in the Slavonic language and the Glagolitic alphabet. CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869); Repose of St Cyril, Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Commemorated on February 14 ; Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Cyril, Commemorated on May 11;

Bulgaria, 886-916, Nahum of Ochrid, Cyril&Methodius, monastery w Clement of O, wonderworker, slavonic translator
Albania, 850-916, Nahum of Ochrid, Cyril&Methodius, of Five Followers, great learning, languages, Rome to Orchrid, monastery w Clement of O, wonderworker, prayer, slavonic translator, incorrupt relics; Ochrid (largest city on Lake Ochrid); St Nahum of Ochrid, the Disciple of St Cyril and Methodius, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated December 23 ; Nahum was a disciple of Saints Cyril and Methodius (May 11), one of their coworkers known as the Five Followers. Nahum was a man of great learning, and he spoke several languages. After a visit to Rome, he settled on the shores of Lake Ochrid. There he built a monastery at the time when Saint Clement of Ochrid (July 27) was serving as a bishop. monks gathered around Saint Nahum, who was known as a great wonderworker and a man of prayer. also labored to translate the Holy Scriptures from Greek into Slavonic. Nahum fell asleep in the Lord in 910, and his holy relics continue to work miracles of healing for those who venerate them in faith.

Bulgaria, 889-893, Tsar, Vladimir, Serb Wars, Pagan, tried end Christianity, deposed&blinded by his f
Bulgarian Tsar, 889-893, Vladimir of Bulgaria; was the ruler of the First Bulgarian Empire from 889 to 893. 853 or 854, the Bulgar Army led by Vladimir, the son of Boris I of Bulgaria, invaded Serbia in an attempt to exact vengeance for the previous defeat of Presian in 839-842 against Vlastimir. Serbian Army, led by Mutimir and his brothers, defeated the Bulgars, capturing Vladimir and 12 boyars.[1] Boris I and Mutimir agreed on peace (and perhaps an alliance[1]), and Mutimir sent his sons Pribislav and Stefan to the border to escort the prisoners, where they exchanged items as a sign of peace. Boris gave them "rich gifts", while he was given "two slaves, two falcons, two dogs, and 80 furs". became ruler (Tzar) of Bulgaria when his father Boris-Mihail I (Boris adopted the name Mihail - Michael - after his baptism) decided to retire to a monastery after a reign of 36 years. Preserved seals with the inscription "Michael the Monk, who is archon of the Bulgarians" suggest, however, that Boris I never fully relinquished his power. was the oldest of Boris-Mihail's sons and possibly the only one of them who had been born before Boris' adoption of Christianity.[2] to Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitos, Vladimir had taken part in a Bulgarian invasion of the Serbian lands, predating the Christianization of Bulgaria. little that is known about his reign includes a military alliance he concluded in 892 with the East Frankish (German) King Arnulf of Carinthia against Great Moravia which, having in mind the interests of the Byzantine Empire, was indirectly aimed against Constantinople. This was a serious straying from the pro-Byzantine policy of his father. is mainly remembered for his attempt to eliminate Christianity in Bulgaria and the re-institution of Paganism. This event is written of by Constantine of Preslav in his Didactic Gospel. started the process of destroying the Christian temples and persecuting of the clergymen, because he regarded them as instruments of Byzantium and its efforts to influence the Bulgarian kingdom. Vladimir-Rasate's actions were not well received by the population and the aristocracy, and he was only supported by a few of the boyars. Therefore, in 893, Boris I left the monastery he inhabited and dispossessed his son. He blinded Vladimir and put him in a dungeon, where his trails vanish. placed his third son Simeon on the Bulgarian throne during the Council of Preslav, itself a direct consequence of Vladimir-Rasate's ill-fated attempt to restore paganism.[3] Repose of the Venerable John the Abbot of Rila, Commemorated on August 18;

Bulgaria, 893-927, Tsar, Simeon I, won against Byzantines, Serbs and Magyars, greatest expansion
Bulgarian Tsar, 893-927, Simeon I of Bulgaria; Simeon ruled over Bulgaria from 893 to 927,[3] during the First Bulgarian Empire. Simeon's successful campaigns against the Byzantines, Magyars and Serbs led Bulgaria to its greatest territorial expansion ever,[4] making it the most powerful state in contemporary Eastern and Southeast Europe.[5] His reign was also a period of unmatched cultural prosperity and enlightenment later deemed the Golden Age of Bulgarian culture.[6] During Simeon's rule, Bulgaria spread over a territory between the Aegean, the Adriatic and the Black Sea.[7][8] The newly independent Bulgarian Orthodox Church became the first new patriarchate besides the Pentarchy, and Bulgarian Glagolitic and Cyrillic translations of Christian texts spread all over the Slavic world of the time.[9] It was at the Preslav Literary School in the 890s that the Cyrillic alphabet was developed.[10][11][12] Halfway through his reign, Simeon assumed the title of Emperor (Tsar),[13] having prior to that been styled Prince (Knyaz).[14] Repose of the Venerable John the Abbot of Rila, Commemorated on August 18;

Bulgaria, 896-946, John of Rila, cow calf river story, beans story, appearance for relics story
Bulgarian Saint, 896-946, John of Rila ; Repose of Venerable John, Abbot of Rila, Commemorated on August 18; John of Rila, the great spiritual ascetic of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and Heavenly Protector of the Bulgarian nation, was born in the year 876 in the village of Skrino in the Sredets district [now Sofia]. he had been orphaned, the boy became a cowherd in order to avoid people. Once the rich man beat him for losing a cow with its calf. The boy cried long and he prayed, that God would help him. When he found the cow with the calf, the water at that time flowed high and strong in the River Struma. The young cowherd prayed, he placed his own tattered shirt on the water, made the Sign of the Cross over it, took up the calf in his arms and went with it, as though on dry land, to the other bank of the river where the cow was. rich man, hidden in the forest, was frightened upon seeing this miracle. He rewarded the youth generously, then sent him away from his home. Having given away his things, the boy left his village. Where and when the saint took monastic tonsure is unknown. the very beginning he lived an ascetical life on top of a high and barren hill, eating only wild plants. His cell was made from brushwood. After a short time, robbers fell upon him by night, beat him, and drove him away. Later, he found a deep cave and settled in it. Soon, his nephew Saint Luke also came to live there. secretly left the home of his parents and went into the wilderness where the Saint was living. After much effort, he succeeded in finding him. At first the blessed one, seeing him from afar, thought this was a demonic temptation, and so he prayed. Like many solitaries, Saint John was bothered by demons, who assumed the shape of wild animals and tried to force him to leave. As Luke approached, he made prostration and asked for Saint John's blessing. That convinced the ascetic that it was truly his nephew, and not a delusion. He blessed Luke and asked why he had come. The young man told him of his desire to share his way of life, and was permitted to remain. Luke emulated Saint John the Forerunner, who had lived in the wilderness from childhood. could not endure Saint John's holy life of prayer and fasting. Moved by the devil, an acquaintance of Luke's father found him overwhelmed by grief and upset by his son's disappearance, so he said, "Your brother John came by night, took your son, and has him even now. Unless you rescue the boy, he will become food for the wild beasts. Come, and I will show you where he is, and then you can go and take your child." Luke's father heard this, he became furious and cursed his innocent brother. When they came near the place, the acquaintance showed him John's cave from afar and departed. The brother went on and found the Saint. He reproached him, calling him a deceiver and an evil man who had stolen his son. tried to kill the venerable one with a heavy stick and some stones, but Saint John just stood there saying nothing. The father seized the boy and took him from the wilderness, intending to bring him back to the world. The blessed man, knew that the child would fall into the snares of the devil, was overcome with sorrow and tears. Hefell to his knees and prayed: "Lord Jesus Christ, behold the affliction of my heart, and grant me a sign of Thy mercy. Thou hast said, 'Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven' (Matthew 19:24). they had walked a short distance, a snake bit Luke, and at once he died a painless death. The father did not know what to do. He returned to Saint John and repented of his actions. With profound sorrow, he revealed what had happened. Saint John told him to bury the boy and return to his home. The Saint was comforted in his sorrow and he glorified God, because by means of a physical death, He had saved the child from the future death of his soul. Saint John often visited the grave of his righteous nephew, which became his favorite place of solitude. John spent twelve years in the desolate cave, and then he went into the Rila wilderness and settled in the hollow of a tree. He fasted and prayed a great deal, wept incessantly, and ate only grass. Seeing such endurance, God caused beans to grow, which he ate for a long time. The beans and his exploits made him known to people. a flock of frightened sheep ran along the hilly steep paths, and did not stop until the place where the monk lived. The shepherds, following after the flock, with astonishment saw the hermit, who amicably greeted them: “You arrive here hungry. Pick some of my beans and eat.” All ate and were satisfied. One gathered many beans in reserve. Along the way home he offered them to his comrades, but there were no beans in the pilfered pods. The shepherds turned back penitent, and the Elder stood there, saying with a smile: “See, children, these fruits are appointed by God for subsistence in the wilderness.” that time they began to bring to the monk the sick and those troubled by unclean spirits, which he healed by prayer. Fleeing celebrity, the monk went from his beloved tree-hollow and settled on a high and rocky crag difficult of access, where he dwelt for seven years under the open sky. Reports about the great ascetic reached even the Bulgarian king Peter (927-969), who wanted to meet him. Saint John wrote a letter, refusing such a meeting out of humility. on Saint John accepted under him the guidance of monks, who built a monastery with a church in the cave where Saint John formerly lived. He wisely tended his flock and died on August 18, 946 at 70 years of age. years before his end he wrote in his own hand “A Testament to Disciples,” one of the finest creations of Old Bulgarian literature. The holy life of the ascetic and the remarkable mercies of God through his prayers were a fine preaching of the Christian Faith in the newly-baptized Bulgarian land. In the uneasy time of struggle of Bulgaria with Byzantium, under the west Bulgarian king Samuel (976-1014), Saint John appeared to his disciples, commanding them to transfer his relics to Sredets (Sofia), where the Bulgarian Patriarch Damian (927-972) was hiding. It is presumed that the transfer of relics took place in the year 980. later, the right hand of Saint John of Rila was transferred to Russia (presumably to the city of Rila, where a church was constructed in the name of Saint John of Rila, with a chapel dedicated to the martyrs Florus and Laurus, on the day of their commemoration (August 18) on which he died). name of Saint John was known and loved by the Russian people from antiquity. Data about the death of the saint is preserved, especially in Russian sources (the Menaion for August in the twelfth century, in the Mazurinsk Chronicle). the year 1183, the Hungarian king Bela II (1174-1196), during a campaign against the Greeks, seized the chest with the relics of Saint John, together with other booty, and took it to the city of Esztergom. the year 1187, after he embellished the reliquary, he sent back the holy relics with great honor. On October 19, 1238 the relics of Saint John were solemnly transferred to the new capital, Trnovo, and put in a church dedicated to the saint. On July 1, 1469 the holy relics of Saint John of Rila were returned to the Rila monastery, where they rest to the present day, granting grace-filled help to all the believers. St John-Vladimir the Prince of Bulgaria, the Greatmartyr and Miracle-worker, Commemorated on May 22;

Bulgaria, 900, 10th Century Folder, Orthodox

Bulgaria, 901-946, Saint John of Rila, A Testament to Disciples
Bulgaria, 900-946, Saint John of Rila; Translation of the relics of Venerable St John the Abbot of Rila in Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 19 ; we commemorate the transfer of the relics of Saint John, Abbot of Rila in Bulgaria (1238). relics of Saint John were transferred from the city of Sredets [Sofia] to Trnovo, the capital of the Bulgarian realm, in the year 1238. See August 18 for his Life. Repose of Venerable John, Abbot of Rila, Commemorated on August 18; John of Rila, the great spiritual ascetic of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and Heavenly Protector of the Bulgarian nation, was born in the year 876 in the village of Skrino in the Sredets district [now Sofia]. he had been orphaned, the boy became a cowherd in order to avoid people. Once the rich man beat him for losing a cow with its calf. The boy cried long and he prayed, that God would help him. When he found the cow with the calf, the water at that time flowed high and strong in the River Struma. The young cowherd prayed, he placed his own tattered shirt on the water, made the Sign of the Cross over it, took up the calf in his arms and went with it, as though on dry land, to the other bank of the river where the cow was. rich man, hidden in the forest, was frightened upon seeing this miracle. He rewarded the youth generously, then sent him away from his home. Having given away his things, the boy left his village. Where and when the saint took monastic tonsure is unknown. the very beginning he lived an ascetical life on top of a high and barren hill, eating only wild plants. His cell was made from brushwood. After a short time, robbers fell upon him by night, beat him, and drove him away. Later, he found a deep cave and settled in it. Soon, his nephew Saint Luke also came to live there. secretly left the home of his parents and went into the wilderness where the Saint was living. After much effort, he succeeded in finding him. At first the blessed one, seeing him from afar, thought this was a demonic temptation, and so he prayed. Like many solitaries, Saint John was bothered by demons, who assumed the shape of wild animals and tried to force him to leave. As Luke approached, he made prostration and asked for Saint John's blessing. That convinced the ascetic that it was truly his nephew, and not a delusion. He blessed Luke and asked why he had come. The young man told him of his desire to share his way of life, and was permitted to remain. Luke emulated Saint John the Forerunner, who had lived in the wilderness from childhood. could not endure Saint John's holy life of prayer and fasting. Moved by the devil, an acquaintance of Luke's father found him overwhelmed by grief and upset by his son's disappearance, so he said, "Your brother John came by night, took your son, and has him even now. Unless you rescue the boy, he will become food for the wild beasts. Come, and I will show you where he is, and then you can go and take your child." Luke's father heard this, he became furious and cursed his innocent brother. When they came near the place, the acquaintance showed him John's cave from afar and departed. The brother went on and found the Saint. He reproached him, calling him a deceiver and an evil man who had stolen his son. tried to kill the venerable one with a heavy stick and some stones, but Saint John just stood there saying nothing. The father seized the boy and took him from the wilderness, intending to bring him back to the world. The blessed man, knew that the child would fall into the snares of the devil, was overcome with sorrow and tears. Hefell to his knees and prayed: "Lord Jesus Christ, behold the affliction of my heart, and grant me a sign of Thy mercy. Thou hast said, 'Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven' (Matthew 19:24). they had walked a short distance, a snake bit Luke, and at once he died a painless death. The father did not know what to do. He returned to Saint John and repented of his actions. With profound sorrow, he revealed what had happened. Saint John told him to bury the boy and return to his home. The Saint was comforted in his sorrow and he glorified God, because by means of a physical death, He had saved the child from the future death of his soul. Saint John often visited the grave of his righteous nephew, which became his favorite place of solitude. John spent twelve years in the desolate cave, and then he went into the Rila wilderness and settled in the hollow of a tree. He fasted and prayed a great deal, wept incessantly, and ate only grass. Seeing such endurance, God caused beans to grow, which he ate for a long time. The beans and his exploits made him known to people. a flock of frightened sheep ran along the hilly steep paths, and did not stop until the place where the monk lived. The shepherds, following after the flock, with astonishment saw the hermit, who amicably greeted them: “You arrive here hungry. Pick some of my beans and eat.” All ate and were satisfied. One gathered many beans in reserve. Along the way home he offered them to his comrades, but there were no beans in the pilfered pods. The shepherds turned back penitent, and the Elder stood there, saying with a smile: “See, children, these fruits are appointed by God for subsistence in the wilderness.” that time they began to bring to the monk the sick and those troubled by unclean spirits, which he healed by prayer. Fleeing celebrity, the monk went from his beloved tree-hollow and settled on a high and rocky crag difficult of access, where he dwelt for seven years under the open sky. Reports about the great ascetic reached even the Bulgarian king Peter (927-969), who wanted to meet him. Saint John wrote a letter, refusing such a meeting out of humility. on Saint John accepted under him the guidance of monks, who built a monastery with a church in the cave where Saint John formerly lived. He wisely tended his flock and died on August 18, 946 at 70 years of age. years before his end he wrote in his own hand “A Testament to Disciples,” one of the finest creations of Old Bulgarian literature. The holy life of the ascetic and the remarkable mercies of God through his prayers were a fine preaching of the Christian Faith in the newly-baptized Bulgarian land. In the uneasy time of struggle of Bulgaria with Byzantium, under the west Bulgarian king Samuel (976-1014), Saint John appeared to his disciples, commanding them to transfer his relics to Sredets (Sofia), where the Bulgarian Patriarch Damian (927-972) was hiding. It is presumed that the transfer of relics took place in the year 980. later, the right hand of Saint John of Rila was transferred to Russia (presumably to the city of Rila, where a church was constructed in the name of Saint John of Rila, with a chapel dedicated to the martyrs Florus and Laurus, on the day of their commemoration (August 18) on which he died). name of Saint John was known and loved by the Russian people from antiquity. Data about the death of the saint is preserved, especially in Russian sources (the Menaion for August in the twelfth century, in the Mazurinsk Chronicle). the year 1183, the Hungarian king Bela II (1174-1196), during a campaign against the Greeks, seized the chest with the relics of Saint John, together with other booty, and took it to the city of Esztergom. the year 1187, after he embellished the reliquary, he sent back the holy relics with great honor. On October 19, 1238 the relics of Saint John were solemnly transferred to the new capital, Trnovo, and put in a church dedicated to the saint. On July 1, 1469 the holy relics of Saint John of Rila were returned to the Rila monastery, where they rest to the present day, granting grace-filled help to all the believers. Blessed Peter the King of Bulgaria, Commemorated on January 30; Translation of the relics of the Venerable John of Rila from Trnovo to Rila, Commemorated on July 1;

Bulgaria, 907-916, Clement of Ochrid, Bulgaria&Macedonia, Cyril&Method disciple, Slavonic s, Slavery, ransomed, Bulgaria
Albania, 850-916, Clement of Ochrid, Albania, disciple of Cyril and Methodios, services in Slavonic, sold as slaves in 886, ransomed from Venice, Moravia colapsed 907, to Bulgaria, Slavonic s, teach in Kutmichivisa Clement of Ohrid (c. 830-840 – 916) was one of the first Medieval Bulgarian saints,[6] scholar, writer and enlightener of the Slavs.[7][8][9][10][11] was one of the most prominent disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodius and is often associated with the creation of the Glagolitic and Cyrillic scripts, especially their popularisation among Christianised Slavs. was the founder of the Ohrid Literary School and is regarded as a patron of education and language by some Slavic people. is considered to be the first bishop of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church,[12][13] one of the Seven Apostles of Bulgarian Orthodox Church and one of the premier saints of modern Bulgaria.[14] mission of Saint Clement was the crucial factor which transformed the Slavs in Macedonia into Bulgarians.[15] Saint Clement is also the patron saint of North Macedonia, the city of Ohrid[5] and the Macedonian Orthodox Church.[16][17] Ochrid (largest city on Lake Ochrid); Slavs; St Clement the Bishop of Ochrid and Enlightener of the Bulgarians, Commemorated on November 25 ; Clement, Bishop of Ochrid, Equal of the Apostles, Nahum, Savva, Gorazd and Angelar1 were Slavs, disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodios (May 11). first they lived as ascetics in Moravia, where Saint Gorazd succeeded Saint Methodios as bishop. He was fluent in Slavonic, Greek and Latin. Saints Clement, Nahum, Angelar and Savva were priests. Enlighteners of the Slavs were opposed by German missionaries, who had the support of the Pope and the patronage of the Moravian Prince Svyatopolk. struggle centered around the questions of the need for Divine Services in Slavonic, the Filioque, and Saturday fasting. Pope Stephen VI prohibited the use of Slavonic in church. proponents of the three-tongued heresy (who wanted to use only Hebrew, Greek, or Latin for Church Services), after setting aside the ancestral language of the Slavic peoples, brought the disciples of Saint Methodios to trial, including Saint Clement. They subjected them to fierce torture: dragging them through thorns, and holding them in prison for a long time, just as they had done with their Spiritual Father, Saint Methodios. 886, some of the prisoners were sold to slave-traders, and ended up in the Venice marketplace. The ambassador of the Byzantine Emperor Basil the Macedonian went to Venice, ransomed the Saints and took them to Constantinople. The older confessors were banished. It is not known where Saint Gorazd went, nor where Saint Savva found shelter. Saints Nahum and Angelar went to Bulgaria. 907 Moravia collapsed under the onslaught of the Magyars, and Moravian refugees by the same routes followed earlier by the Saints they had exiled. Bulgarians received the Slavonic confessors with respect and requested them to conduct Divine Services in the Slavonic language. Bulgarian Prince Boris sought people such as the disciples of Saint Methodios, who labored for the enlightenment of his nation. Right away, the Saints began to study Slavonic books collected by the Bulgarian nobles. Angelar soon reposed, and Saint Clement was appointed to teach at Kutmichivitsa, in southwest Macedonia. In the Eastern Church, a teacher had to be a worthy person, someone known for his devout life, and who was able to speak well in public. Saint Clement was a teacher while he was still in Moravia. In Bulgaria, he worked as an instructor until 893. He organized a school at the princely court, which was highly regarded by the time of Simeon's reign. In southwest Macedonia he created separate schools for adults and children. Clement instructed the children in reading and in writing. The total number of his students was enormous. Those chosen and accepted for ordination amounted to 3500 men. In the year 893, Saint Clement became Bishop of Dremvitsa, or Velitsa, and Saint Nahum took his place. Clement was the first Bulgarian hierarch to serve, preach and write in the Slavonic language. To this end he systematically trained clergy from among the Slavic people. The holy bishop labored for the glory of God into his old age. When his strength failed, and he was unable to fulfill his responsibilities in the cathedral, he asked Tsar Simeon to let him retire. Tsar urged the Saint not to abandon his cathedral, and Saint Clement agreed to continue his episcopal service. After this he went to Okhrid, to a monastery he founded. There he continued his work of translation, including some important portions of the Pentecostarion. Clement became seriously ill and departed to the Lord in the year 916. His body was placed in a coffin, which he had made with his own hands, and was buried at Okhrid's Saint Panteleimon Monastery. Clement is considered the first Slavonic author. Not only did he continue the translation work begun by Saints Cyril and Methodios, he also left behind works of his own composition, the first samples of Slavonic spiritual literature. of the lessons and sermons of Saint Clement were brought to Russia, where they were read and lovingly copied by devout Russian Christians. relics of Saints Gorazd and Angelar rest near Berat in Albania, and Saint Nahum’s relics are in the monastery which bears his name, near Lake Okhrid. Clement is also commemorated on November 22 (Greek usage), on November 25 (his Name Day), and on July 27 (the day of his blessed repose). His name may come from the Greek word αναγορεύω (to proclaim).

Bulgaria, 927-969, Tsar, Peter I, prosperity, well organized, 933 Serb revolt, 968 Rus Byz attack,
Bulgarian Tsar, 927-969, Peter I of Bulgaria; I ( I) (died 30 January 970) was emperor (tsar) of Bulgaria from 27 May 927 to 969. reign[edit] I was the son of Simeon I of Bulgaria by his second marriage to the sister of George Sursuvul. had been born early in the 10th century, but it appears that his maternal uncle was very influential at the beginning of his reign. 913 Peter may have visited the imperial palace at Constantinople together with his older brother Michael. unspecified reasons, Simeon had forced Michael to become a monk and had named Peter as his successor. prove himself a worthy successor to his father both at home and in the eyes of foreign governments, Peter began his reign with a military offensive into Byzantine Thrace in 927 which was the last campaign of the Byzantine-“Bulgarian war of 913-“927. he followed up his quick successes by secretly negotiating a peace treaty before the Byzantine government had a chance to retaliate. Byzantine Emperor Romanos I Lakapenos eagerly accepted the proposal for peace and arranged for a diplomatic marriage between his granddaughter Maria and the Bulgarian monarch. October 927 Peter arrived near Constantinople to meet Romanos and signed the peace treaty, marrying Maria on 8 November in the church of the Zodochos Pege. signify the new era in Bulgaro-Byzantine relations, the princess was renamed Eirene ("peace"). extensive Preslav Treasure is thought to represent part of the dowry of the princess. treaty of 927 actually represents the fruit of Simeon's military successes and diplomatic initiatives, ably continued by his son's government. was obtained with the frontiers restored to those defined in treaties of 897 and 904. Byzantines recognised the Bulgarian monarch's title of emperor and the autocephalus status of the Bulgarian patriarchate, while the payment of an annual tribute to Bulgaria by the Byzantine Empire was renewed.[1] and incursions[edit] initial successes of Peter's reign were followed by several minor setbacks. 930, Peter faced a revolt led by his younger brother Ivan, who was defeated and sent into exile in Byzantium. afterwards Peter's older brother Michael escaped from his monastery and led a more formidable rebellion, which terminated with his early death. youngest brother, Benjamin (also called Bojan), was accused of being a werewolf and magician by the Italian Bishop Liutprand of Cremona, but he apparently posed no threat to Peter's authority. taking advantage of these challenges to Peter's rule, the Prince of Serbia Vaslav Klonimirovi escaped the Bulgarian capital Preslav in 933 with tacit Byzantine support, managed to raise a Serbian revolt against Bulgarian rule.[2] revolt succeeded and Serbia recovered its independence. may have had to also face the incursions of the Magyars, who had been defeated and forced into Pannonia by his father in 896. after an initial defeat, Peter came to terms with the enemy and now used Magyar groups as his allies against Serbia. Magyar clans and chieftains appear to have begun to settle in what was still Bulgarian territory north of the Danube, they may have become Bulgarian federates, enjoying independence from the Saa¡d dynasty. arrangement paved the way for the eventual loss of the region to the Magyars, that happened over the half-century following Peter's death. apparently allowed these groups to cross Bulgaria and raid Byzantine territories in Thrace and Macedonia, as an underhanded reaction against Byzantine support for the Serbian rebellion. rule[edit] I presided over a long and relatively peaceful reign, albeit one poorly illuminated by foreign or native sources. spite of the challenges he encountered soon after his accession and the critical situation at the very end of his life, Bulgaria appears to have been prosperous and increasingly well organized, an administrative apparatus noted by foreign travelers and confirmed by the numerous finds of imperial seals. was particularly generous towards the Church, which he endowed lavishly throughout his reign. emperor's generosity reached such an extent that it was seen as a corrupting factor by even Orthodox clerics, like Cosmas Presbyter. chose a path away from the temptations of the secular world, most notably Saint Ivan of Rila, but their ascetic existence still drew the attention of the monarch. and social tensions may have contributed to the spread of the Bogomil heresy, Peter duly undertook to combat, soliciting the advice of famous hermits and even his uncle-in-law, Patriarch Theophylact of Constantinople. with Byzantium and Rus[edit] Main article: Sviatoslav's invasion of Bulgaria with the Byzantine Empire worsened after the death of Peter's wife in the mid-960s. over the Arabs, Emperor Nikephoros II Phokas refused to pay the annual tribute to Bulgaria in 966, complaining of the Bulgarian alliance with the Magyars, and he undertook a show of force at the Bulgarian border. from a direct attack against Bulgaria, Nikephoros II dispatched a messenger to the Rus prince Sviatoslav Igorevich to arrange a Rus attack against Bulgaria from the north. Death of Emperor Peter I. readily launched a campaign with a vast force of 60,000 troops, routed the Bulgarians on the Danube, and defeated them in a battle near Silistra, seizing some 80 Bulgarian fortresses in 968. by the success of his ally and suspicious of his actual intentions, Emperor Nikephoros II hastened to make peace with Bulgaria and arranged the marriage of his wards, the underage emperors Basil II and Constantine VIII, to two Bulgarian princesses. of Peter's sons were sent to Constantinople as both negotiators and honorary hostages. the meantime Peter managed to secure the retreat of the Rus forces by inciting Bulgaria's traditional allies, the Pechenegs, to attack Kiev itself. spite of this temporary success and the reconciliation with Byzantium, faced a new invasion by Sviatoslav in 969. The Bulgarians were defeated again, Peter suffered a stroke, which led him to abdicate and become a monk. died on 30 January 970. with the military success of his father's reign, Peter has been traditionally considered a weak ruler, who lost lands and prestige, allowed his military forces to decline while his country was ravaged by foreign invaders, and turned Bulgaria into a Byzantine satellite governed by Byzantine agents in the persons of his empress and her retinue. view has been questioned by more recent scholarship, emphasizes the affluence and internal peace enjoyed by Bulgarian society during his long reign, the relationship between Bulgaria and its semi-nomadic neighbors (Magyars and Pechenegs), questions the allegedly sinister role of Romanos' granddaughter and her retinue.[3] Peter's reign witnessed the spread of the Bogomil heresy, its origins were more demographic (perhaps inspired by Paulicians settled earlier by Byzantine emperors in Thrace) than social, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church canonized him as a saint. was considered a good ruler in the Middle Ages, and when Bulgaria fell under Byzantine rule (1018-“1185), leaders of attempts to restore Bulgarian independence adopted his name to emphasize legitimacy and continuity Peter Delyan and Constantine Bodin adopted the royal name of Peter in their attempts to regain the throne from the Byzantines). Blessed Peter the King of Bulgaria, Commemorated on January 30; Peter, King of Bulgaria, was the son of the militant Bulgarian prince Simeon. Saint Peter was distinguished for his Christian piety, and he often turned to Saint John of Rila (August 18, October 19), asking his prayers, spiritual guidance and advice. Peter concluded peace with Byzantium on terms advantageous for Bulgaria. He also gained recognition from the Patriarch of Constantinople for the autonomy of the Bulgarian Church, and the affirmation of a Patriarchal throne in Bulgaria, benefiting all the Bulgarian Church. Peter aided in the successful extirpation of the Bogomil heresy in his lands. He died in the year 967, at fifty-six years of age.

Bulgaria, 927-969, Bogomilism, heresy, neo gnostic or dualist sect
Bulgaria, 927-969, Bogomilism; Bogomilism was a Christian neo-Gnostic or dualist sect founded in the First Bulgarian Empire by the priest Bogomil during the reign of Tsar Peter I in the 10th century.[1][2][3] It most probably arose in what is today the region of Macedonia.[4][5] Bogomils called for a return to what they considered to be early spiritual teaching, rejecting the ecclesiastical hierarchy, and their primary political tendencies were resistance to the state and church authorities. This helped the movement spread quickly in the Balkans, gradually expanding throughout the Byzantine Empire and later reaching Kievan Rus', Bosnia (Bosnian Church), Dalmatia, Serbia, Italy, and France (Cathars). Bogomils were dualists or Gnostics in that they believed in a world within the body and a world outside the body. They did not use the Christian cross, nor build churches, as they revered their gifted form and considered their body to be the temple. This gave rise to many forms of practice to cleanse oneself through purging,[clarification needed] fasting, celebrating and dancing. Bulgarian Tsar, 927-969, Peter I of Bulgaria; Repose of the Venerable John the Abbot of Rila, Commemorated on August 18; Blessed Peter the King of Bulgaria, Commemorated on January 30;

Bulgaria, 927-972, Damian, Bulgarian Patriarch, t my relics to Sofia, where Damian is hiding
Bulgarian Patriarch, 927-972, Damian Repose of the Venerable John the Abbot of Rila, Commemorated on August 18; years before his end he wrote in his own hand “A Testament to Disciples,” one of the finest creations of Old Bulgarian literature. The holy life of the ascetic and the remarkable mercies of God through his prayers were a fine preaching of the Christian Faith in the newly-baptized Bulgarian land. the uneasy time of struggle of Bulgaria with Byzantium, under the west Bulgarian king Samuel (976-1014), Saint John appeared to his disciples, commanding them to transfer his relics to Sredets (Sofia), where the Bulgarian Patriarch Damian (927-972) was hiding. It is presumed that the transfer of relics took place in the year 980. John of Rila, the great spiritual ascetic of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and Heavenly Protector of the Bulgarian nation, was born in the year 876 in the village of Skrino in the Sredets district [now Sofia]. he had been orphaned, the boy became a cowherd in order to avoid people. Once the rich man beat him for losing a cow with its calf. The boy cried long and he prayed, that God would help him. When he found the cow with the calf, the water at that time flowed high and strong in the River Struma. The young cowherd prayed, he placed his own tattered shirt on the water, made the Sign of the Cross over it, took up the calf in his arms and went with it, as though on dry land, to the other bank of the river where the cow was. rich man, hidden in the forest, was frightened upon seeing this miracle. He rewarded the youth generously, then sent him away from his home. Having given away his things, the boy left his village. Where and when the saint took monastic tonsure is unknown. the very beginning he lived an ascetical life on top of a high and barren hill, eating only wild plants. His cell was made from brushwood. After a short time, robbers fell upon him by night, beat him, and drove him away. Later, he found a deep cave and settled in it. Soon, his nephew Saint Luke also came to live there. secretly left the home of his parents and went into the wilderness where the Saint was living. After much effort, he succeeded in finding him. At first the blessed one, seeing him from afar, thought this was a demonic temptation, and so he prayed. Like many solitaries, Saint John was bothered by demons, who assumed the shape of wild animals and tried to force him to leave. As Luke approached, he made prostration and asked for Saint John's blessing. That convinced the ascetic that it was truly his nephew, and not a delusion. He blessed Luke and asked why he had come. The young man told him of his desire to share his way of life, and was permitted to remain. Luke emulated Saint John the Forerunner, who had lived in the wilderness from childhood. could not endure Saint John's holy life of prayer and fasting. Moved by the devil, an acquaintance of Luke's father found him overwhelmed by grief and upset by his son's disappearance, so he said, "Your brother John came by night, took your son, and has him even now. Unless you rescue the boy, he will become food for the wild beasts. Come, and I will show you where he is, and then you can go and take your child." Luke's father heard this, he became furious and cursed his innocent brother. When they came near the place, the acquaintance showed him John's cave from afar and departed. The brother went on and found the Saint. He reproached him, calling him a deceiver and an evil man who had stolen his son. tried to kill the venerable one with a heavy stick and some stones, but Saint John just stood there saying nothing. The father seized the boy and took him from the wilderness, intending to bring him back to the world. The blessed man, knew that the child would fall into the snares of the devil, was overcome with sorrow and tears. Hefell to his knees and prayed: "Lord Jesus Christ, behold the affliction of my heart, and grant me a sign of Thy mercy. Thou hast said, 'Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven' (Matthew 19:24). they had walked a short distance, a snake bit Luke, and at once he died a painless death. The father did not know what to do. He returned to Saint John and repented of his actions. With profound sorrow, he revealed what had happened. Saint John told him to bury the boy and return to his home. The Saint was comforted in his sorrow and he glorified God, because by means of a physical death, He had saved the child from the future death of his soul. Saint John often visited the grave of his righteous nephew, which became his favorite place of solitude. John spent twelve years in the desolate cave, and then he went into the Rila wilderness and settled in the hollow of a tree. He fasted and prayed a great deal, wept incessantly, and ate only grass. Seeing such endurance, God caused beans to grow, which he ate for a long time. The beans and his exploits made him known to people. a flock of frightened sheep ran along the hilly steep paths, and did not stop until the place where the monk lived. The shepherds, following after the flock, with astonishment saw the hermit, who amicably greeted them: “You arrive here hungry. Pick some of my beans and eat.” All ate and were satisfied. One gathered many beans in reserve. Along the way home he offered them to his comrades, but there were no beans in the pilfered pods. The shepherds turned back penitent, and the Elder stood there, saying with a smile: “See, children, these fruits are appointed by God for subsistence in the wilderness.” that time they began to bring to the monk the sick and those troubled by unclean spirits, which he healed by prayer. Fleeing celebrity, the monk went from his beloved tree-hollow and settled on a high and rocky crag difficult of access, where he dwelt for seven years under the open sky. Reports about the great ascetic reached even the Bulgarian king Peter (927-969), who wanted to meet him. Saint John wrote a letter, refusing such a meeting out of humility. on Saint John accepted under him the guidance of monks, who built a monastery with a church in the cave where Saint John formerly lived. He wisely tended his flock and died on August 18, 946 at 70 years of age. years before his end he wrote in his own hand “A Testament to Disciples,” one of the finest creations of Old Bulgarian literature. The holy life of the ascetic and the remarkable mercies of God through his prayers were a fine preaching of the Christian Faith in the newly-baptized Bulgarian land. In the uneasy time of struggle of Bulgaria with Byzantium, under the west Bulgarian king Samuel (976-1014), Saint John appeared to his disciples, commanding them to transfer his relics to Sredets (Sofia), where the Bulgarian Patriarch Damian (927-972) was hiding. It is presumed that the transfer of relics took place in the year 980. later, the right hand of Saint John of Rila was transferred to Russia (presumably to the city of Rila, where a church was constructed in the name of Saint John of Rila, with a chapel dedicated to the martyrs Florus and Laurus, on the day of their commemoration (August 18) on which he died). name of Saint John was known and loved by the Russian people from antiquity. Data about the death of the saint is preserved, especially in Russian sources (the Menaion for August in the twelfth century, in the Mazurinsk Chronicle). the year 1183, the Hungarian king Bela II (1174-1196), during a campaign against the Greeks, seized the chest with the relics of Saint John, together with other booty, and took it to the city of Esztergom. the year 1187, after he embellished the reliquary, he sent back the holy relics with great honor. On October 19, 1238 the relics of Saint John were solemnly transferred to the new capital, Trnovo, and put in a church dedicated to the saint. On July 1, 1469 the holy relics of Saint John of Rila were returned to the Rila monastery, where they rest to the present day, granting grace-filled help to all the believers.

Bulgaria, 930-990, Prochorus the Abbot, Vranski Desert, Bransk wilderness, founded a monastery, great ascetic, relics miracles
Bulgaria, 930-990, Prochorus the Abbot, Vranski Desert, Bransk wilderness, founded a monastery, great ascetic, relics miracles, Prochorus oPshina persued asceticism iBransk wilderness aRiver Pshina, founded monastery there, renouned as one otGreat ascetics, died end 10th C, miracles fHis relics, pious King Milutin 1276-1320 built Prochorus' Church; Vranski Desert, Bransk wilderness (Pshina River 1) St. Prochorus the Abbot in the Vranski Desert on the River Pshina in Bulgaria, Commemorated on January 15; Prochorus of Pshina pursued asceticism in the Bransk wilderness at the River Pshina, and he founded a monastery there. is renowned as one of the great ascetics of monastic life. He died at the end of the tenth century. Miracles occurred from the saint’s relics. According to the Serbian Chronicles, the pious King Milutin (1276-1320) built a church in honor of Saint Prochorus.

Bulgaria, 931-967, Peter the King of Bulgaria, Christian piety, w John of Rila Monastery
Bulgaria, 931-967, Blessed Peter the King of Bulgaria, Christian piety, John of Rila Monastery, advantageous peace w Byzantium, autonomy of Bulgarian Church, extripation of Bogomil heresy; Rila Monastery ; Blessed Peter the King of Bulgaria, Commemorated on January 30; Peter, King of Bulgaria, was the son of the militant Bulgarian prince Simeon. Saint Peter was distinguished for his Christian piety, and he often turned to Saint John of Rila (August 18, October 19), asking his prayers, spiritual guidance and advice. Peter concluded peace with Byzantium on terms advantageous for Bulgaria. He also gained recognition from the Patriarch of Constantinople for the autonomy of the Bulgarian Church, and the affirmation of a Patriarchal throne in Bulgaria, benefiting all the Bulgarian Church. Peter aided in the successful extirpation of the Bogomil heresy in his lands. He died in the year 967, at fifty-six years of age.

Bulgaria, 969-971, Tsar. Boris II, hostage, lost Thrace to B, fought Sviaslav of Kiev
Bulgarian Tsar, 969-971. Boris II of Bulgaria ; II was emperor (tsar) of Bulgaria from 969 to 977 (in Byzantine captivity from 971). Boris II was the eldest surviving son of Emperor Peter I of Bulgaria and Maria (renamed Eirene) Lekapena, a granddaughter of Emperor Romanos I Lekapenos of Byzantium. Boris had been born by 931, when he had visited Constantinople together with his mother. Nothing else is known of Boris II's life until 968, when he went to Constantinople again to negotiate a peace settlement with Emperor Nikephoros II Phokas, and apparently to serve as an honorary hostage. This arrangement was intended to put an end to the conflict between Bulgaria and Byzantium, who would now join forces against Prince Sviatoslav I of Kiev, whom the Byzantine emperor had pitted against the Bulgarians. In 969 a new Kievan invasion defeated the Bulgarians again and Peter I abdicated to become a monk. In circumstances that are not entirely clear, Boris II was allowed to return to Bulgaria and sit on his father's throne. (The later Byzantine chronicle of John Skylitzes confounds this with a later event, in which Boris and his brother escaped Constantinople after the so-called rebellion of the Kometopouloi in Macedonia.) The Byzantine emperor John Tzimisces returns in triumph in Constantinople with the captured Boris II and Preslav Icon Boris II was unable to stem the Kievan advance, and found himself forced to accept Sviatoslav of Kiev as his ally and puppet-master, turning against the Byzantines. A Kievan campaign into Byzantine Thrace was defeated at the Battle of Arkadioupolis in 970, and the new Byzantine Emperor John I Tzimiskes advanced northwards. Failing to secure the defense of the Balkan passes, Sviatoslav allowed the Byzantines to penetrate into Moesia and lay siege to the Bulgarian capital Preslav. Although Bulgarians and Ruses joined in defending the city, the Byzantines managed to set afire the wooden structures and roofs by missiles, and took the fortress. Boris II now became a captive of John I Tzimiskes, who continued to pursue the Kievan Army, besieging Sviatoslav in DrÄƒstÄƒr (Silistra), while claiming to act as Boris' ally and protector, and treating the Bulgarian monarch with due respect. After Sviatoslav had come to terms and set out for Kiev, the Byzantine emperor returned to Constantinople in triumph. Far from liberating Bulgaria as he had claimed, John brought along Boris II and his family, together with the contents of the Bulgarian imperial treasury in 971. In a public ceremony in Constantinople, Boris II was ritually divested of his imperial insignia and was given the Byzantine court title of magistros as compensation. The Bulgarian lands in Thrace and lower Moesia now became part of the Byzantine Empire and were placed under Byzantine governors. Although the ceremony in 971 had been intended as a symbolic termination of the Bulgarian empire, the Byzantines were unable to assert their control over the western provinces of Bulgaria. These remained under the rule of their own governors, and especially of a noble family led by four brothers called the Kometopouloi (i.e., "the sons of the Count"), named David, Moses, Aron, and Samuel. The movement was regarded as a "revolt" by the Byzantine emperor, but it apparently saw itself as a sort of regency for the captive Boris II. As they began to raid neighboring territories under Byzantine rule, the Byzantine government resorted to a stratagem intended to compromise the leadership of this "revolt". This involved allowing Boris II and his brother Roman to escape from their honorary captivity at the Byzantine court, in the hope that their arrival in Bulgaria would cause a division between the Kometopouloi and other Bulgarian leaders. As Boris II and Roman entered the region under Bulgarian control in 977, Boris II dismounted and went ahead of his brother. Mistaken for a Byzantine notable due to his attire, Boris was shot in the chest by a deaf and mute border patrol. Roman managed to identify himself to the other guards and was duly accepted as emperor. Repose of the Venerable John the Abbot of Rila, Commemorated on August 18;

Bulgaria, 971-997, Tsar, Roman of Bulgaria, B hostage, Sviatoslav and Tzimiskes pawn, castrated
toBulgarian Tsar, 971-997, Roman of Bulgaria; ( 930s-“997) was emperor (tsar) of Bulgaria from 977 to 991, being in Byzantine captivity thereafter still claiming the title. Reign[edit] Roman was the second surviving son of Emperor Peter I of Bulgaria by his marriage with Maria (renamed Eirene) Lekapene, the granddaughter of the Byzantine Emperor Romanos I Lekapenos.[1] It is possible that he had the double name Roman-Simeon, but this may be due to confusion with another man in the sources. He was born around 930, and had probably visited Constantinople with his mother and older brothers soon after 931. We know nothing about Roman’s life until 968, when he joined his older brother Boris in Constantinople to negotiate a peace agreement between Bulgaria and Byzantium, during which they apparently served as honorary hostages at the Byzantine court. On their father’s abdication in 969, Boris and Roman returned to Bulgaria, where Boris II succeeded as emperor. Roman may have been proclaimed co-emperor in accordance with Byzantine usage, but the evidence for that is vague. In Bulgaria Roman probably shared his brother’s destiny, becoming first a pawn in the hands of Prince Sviatoslav I of Kiev and then in those of the Byzantine Emperor John I Tzimiskes. After the latter’s victory in 971, Roman was taken to Constantinople together with his brother’s family. To ensure that the Bulgarian dynasty would die out (Boris II apparently had only daughters), the Byzantine emperor had Roman castrated.[2] Boris and Roman remained in honorary captivity at the imperial palace until after the death of the emperor in 976. At this point the raids of the Cometopuli into Byzantine possessions in Macedonia led to a Byzantine stratagem intended to divide the leadership of the still-unconquered Bulgarian lands in the west. Temporarily jailed, Boris and Roman were allowed to escape in 977. During their attempt to cross the Bulgarian border, Boris II was taken for an enemy and killed by a guard. Roman managed to identify himself to the Bulgarian patrols, and was duly recognized by the Bulgarians as emperor. Although Roman was acknowledged as the official Bulgarian ruler, most of the military matters were left in the hands of Samuil, who was the youngest brother of the Cometopuli dynasty, and Roman devoted to church deeds similar to his father Peter in his end of life. During one of his invasions of Bulgaria, the Byzantine Emperor Basil II succeeded in capturing Roman in 991. Roman remained in Byzantine captivity until his death in 997, and it was only then that Samuel took the Bulgarian imperial title. Such, at least, is the sequence of events reported by the trustworthy historian Yahya of Antioch. According to the later testimony of the Byzantine chronicler John Skylitzes, in 1004 Skopje was surrendered to Basil II by its governor Roman Simeon, who may have been mistaken for Emperor Roman in the text. Roman-Simeon received the title of patrikios and was named military governor or strategos of the theme of Abydos.' Repose of the Venerable John the Abbot of Rila, Commemorated on August 18;

Bulgaria, 976-1025, Byzantium Emperor, Basil II, Bulgar Slayer, with Rus over First B Empire and Georgia
Byzantine Emperor, 976-1025, Basil II ; II Porphyrogenitus (c.958 -“ 15 December 1025), nicknamed the Bulgar Slayer [note 3] was the senior Byzantine Emperor for almost 50 years (10 January 976 -“ 15 December 1025), having been a junior colleague to other emperors since 960. He and his brother Constantine[note 4] were named as co-rulers before their father Romanos II died in 963. The throne went to two generals, Nikephoros Phokas (r. 963-“969) then John Tzimiskes (r. 969-“976), before Basil became senior emperor. His influential great-uncle Basil Lekapenos was the de facto ruler of the Byzantine Empire until 985.[note 5] Basil II then held power for forty years. early years of Basil's reign were dominated by civil wars against two powerful generals from the Anatolian aristocracy; first Bardas Skleros and later Bardas Phokas, which ended shortly after Phokas' death and Skleros' submission in 989. then oversaw the stabilization and expansion of the eastern frontier of the Byzantine Empire and the complete subjugation of the First Bulgarian Empire, its foremost European foe, after a prolonged struggle. Although the Byzantine Empire had made a truce with the Fatimid Caliphate in 987-“988, Basil led a campaign against the Caliphate that ended with another truce in 1000. He also conducted a campaign against the Khazar Khaganate that gained the Byzantine Empire part of Crimea and a series of successful campaigns against the Kingdom of Georgia. near-constant warfare, Basil distinguished himself as an administrator, reducing the power of the great land-owning families who dominated the Empire's administration and military, filling its treasury, and leaving it with its greatest expanse in four centuries. his successors were largely incapable rulers, the Empire flourished for decades after Basil's death. One of the most important decisions taken during his reign was to offer the hand of his sister Anna Porphyrogenita to Vladimir I of Kiev in exchange for military support, thus forming the Byzantine military unit known as the Varangian Guard. marriage of Anna and Vladimir led to the Christianization of the Kievan Rus' and the incorporation of later successor states of Kievan Rus' within the Byzantine cultural and religious tradition. Basil is seen as a Greek national hero but as a despised figure among Bulgarians. Venerable Lazarus the Wonderworker of Mt. Galesius Near Ephesus, Commemorated on November 7; Icon of the Mother of God œthe MercifulÂ, Commemorated on November 12; Venerable George the Scribe, of Khakhuli, Commemorated on December 19; Icon of the Mother of God œthe MercifulÂ, Commemorated on December 27; Venerable Philotheus the Founder of Philotheou Monastery of Mt Athos, Commemorated on January 24; Icon of the Mother of God œIveronÂ, Commemorated on February 12; Martyr Luke of Jerusalem, the Georgian, Commemorated on February 12; Martyr Nicholas Dvali in Jerusalem, Commemorated on February 12; Venerable Simeon the New Theologian, Commemorated on March 12; Venerable George of Mt. Athos, the Builder, Commemorated on July 28;

Bulgaria, 984-1017, Sophia oThrace, lost 6 C, did not despair, always singing, 100 orphans, wine barrel, charity in secret
Bulgaria, 984-1017, Sophia oThrace, Aenus (Ainos, Enos), Thrace, Bulgaria (Maritza (Hebrus) River Mouth, Roman Road Via Egnatia), wealthy Christian parents, arranged marriage, six childen, husband&Children died, she did not despair, even more devoted, protected over 100 orphans and widows, constant almsgiving, prayers, fasting, comfoting neighbor, David's psalms always on her lips, so God blessed her by keeping her wine barrel full, until she told someone glorifying God, then barrel became empty, devastated she increased ascetical labors until health suffered, then she taught people ascetic life with charity brings miracles, enough to live this way in secret, tonsured as a nun, then devoted completely to worshiping God, reposed peacefully, lived during 10th and 11th C.; Aenus; Martyr Sophia of Thrace, Commemorated on June 4; Venerable Mother Sophia was born in the province of Ainos in southeastern Thrace, was the daughter of prominent and wealthy Christian parents. she was of age, her parents arranged for her to be married. and her husband had six children. Though she was occupied with worldly cares and responsibilities, she still kept God's commandments and lived a virtuous life. loved to attend the Church Services, and so she progressed in virtue. sickness carried off Sophia's husband and all her children in succession, she did not despair, became even more devoted to God. found solace in her grief by protecting orphans and widows. spent her time in constant almsgiving, prayers, fasting, and everything which comforted her neighbor. a period of twenty years, she adopted one hundred children, and raised them to love God. this reason, she is sometimes called Saint Sophia the Mother of Orphans. sold her property and gave the proceeds to the poor and to widows. led an austere life, eating nothing but bread and water. chose to do without the necessities of life herself rather than allow any poor person to leave her home empty-handed. Psalms of the Prophet-King David were always on her lips, and tears flowed continuously from her eyes. of her humility and love for the poor, God blessed her in the following way. her home there was a barrel of wine which she kept for the poor. She noticed that no matter how much she took from the barrel, it remained full. as soon as she told someone about the miracle and glorified God, the barrel became empty. Sophia was devastated, believing that the wine had failed because of her unworthiness. she increased her ascetical labors until her health suffered. Sophia taught everyone how the ascetic life can be applied in the world. combined with selfless charity, God performs wondrous miracles. is enough to live this way "in secret." that the end of her life was near, she was tonsured as a nun. that time, she devoted herself completely to worshiping God. Sophia reposed peacefully at the age of fifty-three. She lived during the X-XI centuries.

Bulgaria, 997-1014, Tsar, Samuel, Orthodox, constant warfare against Byzantium, and ambitious Basil II
Bulgarian Tsar, 997-1014, Samuel of Bulgaria; was the Tsar (Emperor) of the First Bulgarian Empire from 997 to 6 October 1014.[5] 977 to 997, he was a general under Roman I of Bulgaria,[6] the second surviving son of Emperor Peter I of Bulgaria, and co-ruled with him, as Roman bestowed upon him the command of the army and the effective royal authority.[7] As Samuel struggled to preserve his country's independence from the Byzantine Empire, his rule was characterized by constant warfare against the Byzantines and their equally ambitious ruler Basil II. his early years Samuel managed to inflict several major defeats on the Byzantines and to launch offensive campaigns into their territory.[8] In the late 10th century, the Bulgarian armies conquered the Serb principality of Duklja[9] and led campaigns against the Kingdoms of Croatia and Hungary. But from 1001, he was forced mainly to defend the Empire against the superior Byzantine armies. Samuel died of a heart attack on 6 October 1014, two months after the catastrophic battle of Kleidion. His successors failed to organize a resistance, and in 1018, four years after Samuel's death, the country capitulated, ending the five decades-long Byzantine–Bulgarian conflict.[10] was considered "invincible in power and unsurpassable in strength".[11][12] Similar comments were made even in Constantinople, where John Kyriotes penned a poem offering a punning comparison between the Bulgarian Emperor and Halley's comet, which appeared in 989.[13][14] During Samuel's reign, Bulgaria gained control of most of the Balkans (with the notable exception of Thrace) as far as southern Greece. He moved the capital from Skopje to Ohrid,[8][15] which had been the cultural and military centre of southwestern Bulgaria since Boris I's rule,[16] and made the city the seat of the Bulgarian Patriarchate. Because of this, his realm is sometimes called the Western Bulgarian Empire.[17][18] Samuel's energetic reign restored Bulgarian might on the Balkans, and although the Empire was disestablished after his death, he is regarded as a heroic ruler in Bulgaria.[19][20] Samuel is considered also a heroic ruler in today North Macedonia[21] (see the section Nomenclature). Repose of the Venerable John the Abbot of Rila, Commemorated on August 18; St John-Vladimir the Prince of Bulgaria, the Greatmartyr and Miracle-worker, Commemorated on May 22;

Bulgaria, 1015-1018, Tsar, John-Vladislav, Murderer, lost empire to Byzantium
Bulgaria, 1015-1018, Tsar, John-Vladislav; Vladislav ruled as emperor (tsar) of Bulgaria from August or September 1015 to February 1018. The year of his birth is unknown; he was born at least a decade before 987, but probably not much earlier than that. Saved from death by his cousin Gavril Radomir, the Bulgarian Emperor, in 976, Ivan Vladislav murdered him in October 1015 and seized the Bulgarian throne. Due to the desperate situation of the country following the decades-long war with the Byzantine Empire, and in an attempt to consolidate his position, he tried to negotiate truce with the Byzantine emperor Basil II. After the failure of the negotiations he continued the resistance, attempting unsuccessfully to push the Byzantines back. During his period of rule, Ivan Vladislav tried to strengthen the Bulgarian army, reconstructed many Bulgarian fortresses and even carried out a counter-offensive, but he died at the Battle of Dyrrhachium in 1018. After his death his widow, Empress Maria, the Patriarch and most of the nobility finally surrendered to Basil II, who soon suppressed the last remnants of resistance and brought about the end of the First Bulgarian Empire. Ivan Vladislav left a mixed heritage, varying from a reputation of being a ruthless murderer to a hero defending his country as well as he could. The descendants of Ivan Vladislav entered the Byzantine nobility and rose to the highest ranks of the hierarchy. Two women of his family became empresses of the Byzantine Empire and others became military commanders or high-ranking officials. He was an ancestor of the Byzantine emperor John II Komnenos. Bulgarian Tsar, 997-1014, Samuel of Bulgaria; St John-Vladimir the Prince of Bulgaria, the Greatmartyr and Miracle-worker, Commemorated on May 22;

Bulgaria, 1000, 11th C Folder, George&Sava oKhakhuli m, Georgia

Bulgaria, 1001-1050, George&Sava oKhakhuli M, righteous blameless, blessed spiritually materially, uncles oGeorge otHoly Mt
Georgia, 1001-1050, George&Sava oKhakhuli Monastery, Georgia (Chorokhi River 3), Uncles of George otHoly Mt, monks aKm, filled wDivine Grace, George spiritual advisor King Bagrat III, Produced ecclesiastical lit wKing, many translations&copies, Sava righteous&blameless, both had spiritual blesings&material wealth, they suggested other brother Jacob bring his son George tKM in Klarjeti, Peris Jojikisdze (nobleman married to Bagrat III's daughter) governed Tvartsatpi palace, selected George tBe palace instructor&spiritual guide, incl earthly affairs, He took young George tPalace, year later Basil II falsely accused Peris, ordered execution, family escorted tConstantinople, in Byzantium 12 yrs, George sent young George to Sava aKM, George&Sava died about 1050; Khakhuli Monastery; Venerable George the Scribe, of Khakhuli, Commemorated December 19 ; George and Savva of Khakhuli were brothers of Jacob, the father of Saint George of the Holy Mountain. and Savva labored as monks at Khakhuli Monastery in southern Georgia. holy fathers were filled with divine grace. elder brother, George, was a spiritual adviser in the court of King Bagrat III Kuropalates along with the king, he became an active participant in the production of ecclesiastical literature. period is known as the Golden Age of Georgian Letters, when many translations and copies of ecclesiastical writings were made.) younger brother, Savva, is remembered as a righteous and blameless man by the renowned Church figure George the Lesser. to George the Lesser, the brothers were generously endowed with both spiritual blessings and material wealth. the holy fathers heard about the piety of their nephew, the young George (later of the Holy Mountain), suggested that Jacob bring him to them in Khakhuli in Klarjeti. exceeding gladness Jacob brought his son to the God-fearing brothers. that time a certain Peris Jojikisdze, a nobleman married to the daughter of King Bagrat III, governed the village of Tvartsatapi. thought it wise to invite an intelligent and experienced monk to his palace to serve as an instructor and spiritual guide, he selected Saint George to fill this role. great reluctance the venerable father consented, he was entrusted with responsibility for all the spiritual and earthly affairs at the palace. of Khakhuli took the young George with him to the palace of Peris Jojikisdze. year later, the Byzantine Emperor Basil II brought false accusations against Peris and ordered his execution. wife and those in his court, among whom were Saint George and the young George of the Holy Mountain, were captured and escorted to Constantinople. twelve years in Byzantium, the captives were finally permitted to return home. his return to Georgia, George of Khakhuli sent his nephew to Khakhuli Monastery, entrusting him to the care of his brother Savva. holy fathers reposed peacefully in the mid-11th century.

Bulgaria, 1018-1185, Folder, Controlled by Byzantium

Bulgaria, 1000-1016, Prince, John-Vladimir, Serbian Prince murdered by John-Vladislav
Bulgaria, 1000-1016, Prince, John-Vladimir, Serbian Prince murdered by John-Vladislav; Vladimir or John Vladimir ([a] c. 990 - 22 May 1016) was the ruler of Duklja, the most powerful Serbian principality of the time,[1] from around 1000 to 1016. ruled during the protracted war between the Byzantine Empire and the Bulgarian Empire. Vladimir was acknowledged as a pious, just, and peaceful ruler. He is recognized as a martyr and saint, with his feast day being celebrated on 22 May.[b] Vladimir had a close relationship with Byzantium but this did not save Duklja from the expansionist Tsar Samuel of Bulgaria, who conquered the principality around 1010 and took Vladimir prisoner. medieval chronicle asserts that Samuel's daughter, Theodora Kosara, fell in love with Vladimir and begged her father for his hand. The tsar allowed the marriage and returned Duklja to Vladimir, who ruled as his vassal. Vladimir took no part in his father-in-law's war efforts. The warfare culminated with Tsar Samuel's defeat by the Byzantines in 1014 and death soon after. 1016, Vladimir fell victim to a plot by Ivan Vladislav, the last ruler of the First Bulgarian Empire. He was beheaded in front of a church in Prespa, the empire's capital, and was buried there. was soon recognized as a martyr and saint. His widow, Kosara, reburied him in the Precista Krajinska Church, near his court in southeastern Duklja. 1381, his remains were preserved in the Church of St Jovan Vladimir near Elbasan, and since 1995 they have been kept in the Orthodox cathedral of Tirana, Albania. saint's remains are considered Christian relics, and attract many believers, especially on his feast day, when the relics are taken to the church near Elbasan for a celebration. cross Vladimir held when he was beheaded is also regarded as a relic. Traditionally under the care of the AndroviÄ‡ family from the village of Velji MikuliÄ‡i in southeastern Montenegro, the cross is only shown to believers on the Feast of Pentecost, when it is carried in a procession to the summit of Mount Rumija. Vladimir is regarded as the first Serbian saint and the patron saint of the town of Bar in Montenegro. earliest, lost hagiography was probably written sometime between 1075 and 1089; a shortened version, written in Latin, is preserved in the Chronicle of the Priest of Duklja. His hagiographies in Greek and Church Slavonic were first published, respectively, in 1690 and 1802. The saint is classically depicted in icons as a monarch wearing a crown and regal clothes, with a cross in his right hand and his own head in his left hand. He is fabled to have carried his severed head to his place of burial. Bulgaria, 1015-1018, Tsar, John-Vladislav; Vladislav ruled as emperor (tsar) of Bulgaria from August or September 1015 to February 1018. The year of his birth is unknown; he was born at least a decade before 987, but probably not much earlier than that. from death by his cousin Gavril Radomir, the Bulgarian Emperor, in 976, Ivan Vladislav murdered him in October 1015 and seized the Bulgarian throne. to the desperate situation of the country following the decades-long war with the Byzantine Empire, and in an attempt to consolidate his position, he tried to negotiate truce with the Byzantine emperor Basil II. the failure of the negotiations he continued the resistance, attempting unsuccessfully to push the Byzantines back. During his period of rule, Ivan Vladislav tried to strengthen the Bulgarian army, reconstructed many Bulgarian fortresses and even carried out a counter-offensive, but he died at the Battle of Dyrrhachium in 1018. his death his widow, Empress Maria, the Patriarch and most of the nobility finally surrendered to Basil II, who soon suppressed the last remnants of resistance and brought about the end of the First Bulgarian Empire. Vladislav left a mixed heritage, varying from a reputation of being a ruthless murderer to a hero defending his country as well as he could. The descendants of Ivan Vladislav entered the Byzantine nobility and rose to the highest ranks of the hierarchy. women of his family became empresses of the Byzantine Empire and others became military commanders or high-ranking officials. He was an ancestor of the Byzantine emperor John II Komnenos. Bulgarian Tsar, 997-1014, Samuel of Bulgaria; St John-Vladimir the Prince of Bulgaria, the Greatmartyr and Miracle-worker, Commemorated on May 22; Holy Martyr John-Vladimir, a Serbian prince, was born in the tenth century. From his childhood he was raised in piety, and at maturity he wisely governed his holdings Illyria and Dalmatia, preserving the holy Faith in purity. noble prince was married to Kosara, a daughter of the Bulgarian Tsar Samuel. Summoned for talks with the Bulgarian Tsar John-Vladislav, he was treacherously murdered by the Tsar on May 22, 1015, at the entrance to a church. Kosara, the pious spouse of the holy prince, entered a women’s monastery that she built, and where also she died, not leaving the church until the very end of her life. The relics of the holy prince are located near Elbosan.

Bulgaria, 1015-1018, Tsar, John-Vladislav, Murderer, mixed heritage, defended his country
Bulgaria, 1015-1018, Tsar, John-Vladislav; Vladislav ruled as emperor (tsar) of Bulgaria from August or September 1015 to February 1018. The year of his birth is unknown; he was born at least a decade before 987, but probably not much earlier than that. from death by his cousin Gavril Radomir, the Bulgarian Emperor, in 976, Ivan Vladislav murdered him in October 1015 and seized the Bulgarian throne. to the desperate situation of the country following the decades-long war with the Byzantine Empire, and in an attempt to consolidate his position, he tried to negotiate truce with the Byzantine emperor Basil II. the failure of the negotiations he continued the resistance, attempting unsuccessfully to push the Byzantines back. During his period of rule, Ivan Vladislav tried to strengthen the Bulgarian army, reconstructed many Bulgarian fortresses and even carried out a counter-offensive, but he died at the Battle of Dyrrhachium in 1018. his death his widow, Empress Maria, the Patriarch and most of the nobility finally surrendered to Basil II, who soon suppressed the last remnants of resistance and brought about the end of the First Bulgarian Empire. Vladislav left a mixed heritage, varying from a reputation of being a ruthless murderer to a hero defending his country as well as he could. The descendants of Ivan Vladislav entered the Byzantine nobility and rose to the highest ranks of the hierarchy. women of his family became empresses of the Byzantine Empire and others became military commanders or high-ranking officials. He was an ancestor of the Byzantine emperor John II Komnenos. Bulgarian Tsar, 997-1014, Samuel of Bulgaria; St John-Vladimir the Prince of Bulgaria, the Greatmartyr and Miracle-worker, Commemorated on May 22; Holy Martyr John-Vladimir, a Serbian prince, was born in the tenth century. From his childhood he was raised in piety, and at maturity he wisely governed his holdings Illyria and Dalmatia, preserving the holy Faith in purity. noble prince was married to Kosara, a daughter of the Bulgarian Tsar Samuel. Summoned for talks with the Bulgarian Tsar John-Vladislav, he was treacherously murdered by the Tsar on May 22, 1015, at the entrance to a church. Kosara, the pious spouse of the holy prince, entered a women’s monastery that she built, and where also she died, not leaving the church until the very end of her life. The relics of the holy prince are located near Elbosan.

Bulgaria, 1067-1097, Gabriel, Large inheritance, founded Lesnov m, then left tHide in mine 30yr asceticism, relic healings
Bulgaria, 1067-1097, Gabriel, founder oLesnov Monastery, Bulgaria (High Point, Strumitza River Source), near Kratov, Macedonia, large inheritance, rejected marriage, monk on Mt at Lesnov, built Church, gathered monks, appointed igumen, gave inheritance tMonastery, lift tHide in mine, asceticism 30 yrs, conquering demonic temptations, returned tLesnov m, died iPeace, 30 yrs later relics uncovered, relic healings, long afterwards relics tTrnovo, Bulgaria; Lesnov Monastery, Bulgaria; Venerable Gabriel, Founder of Lesnov Monastery in Bulgaria, Commemorated on January 15; Gabriel, founder of the Lesnov monastery (in 1067) the city of Kratov. a large inheritance after the death of his parents, he rejected marriage and became a monk on a mountain at Lesnov. he built a church in the name of the Archangel Michael, and gathered many monks around him. appointed an igumen, and left all his inheritance to the monastery. then hid himself in a mine, where he lived in asceticism for thirty years, conquering demonic temptations through prayer and fasting. then returned to the Lesnov monastery and ended his life in peace. thirty years, his relics were uncovered, and healings worked through them. afterwards, they were transferred to Trnovo [Tirnova] in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria, 1083-1140, John Chimchimeli, great translator, philosopher, teacher, & defender of the Georgian Christian Faith
Georgia, 1083-1140, Philosopher, Ioane Petritsi aka John or Ioane Chimchimeli, great translator, philosopher, and defender of the Georgian Christian Faith, educated iBulgaria aBachkovo m, Translated exegetical works: commentaries on Ecclesiastes, Books of Mark and Luke, also John is portrayed in Jerusalem Holy Cross m frescoes, J directed literary school, in Gremi, Kakheti, teaching philosophy, theology, greek, syrian, Arabic languages; Georgia, 1083-1140, Philosopher, Ioane Petritsi aka John or Ioane Chimchimeli ; St. John Chimchimeli the Philosopher, Commemorated on February 10; information about the life of Saint John of Chimchimeli has been preserved, we know that he was a great translator, philosopher, and defender of the Georgian Christian Faith. received his education in present-day Bulgaria, the literary school of the famous Petritsoni (now Bachkovo) Georgian Monastery. historian writes: “In his eulogy on the death of Saint Demetre the King, John the Philosopher of Chimchimeli brilliantly describes the glory, honor, and heroism of this holy man’s life.” John translated many exegetical compositions, two commentaries on the Book of Ecclesiastes, by Metrophanes of Smyrna (Metropolitan of Smyrna (857-880); his Commentary on Ecclesiastes is preserved only in Georgian) the other by Olympiodorus of Alexandria (a 6th-century deacon who wrote a series of commentaries on the books of the Bible, not to be confused with the neoplatonist philosopher also of the 6th century). also translated “An Explanation of the Gospel According to Saint Mark” and “An Explanation of the Gospel According to Saint Luke”, both by Blessed Theophylactus of Bulgaria. works of our Holy Father John of Chimchimeli are fundamental to the canon of Georgian theological literature. his work Pilgrimage, eminent eighteenth-century historian Archbishop Timote (Gabashvili) John of Chimchimeli among the holy fathers portrayed in the frescoes at the Holy Cross Monastery in Jerusalem. the second half of the 19th century the historian Mose Janashvili wrote, his History of the Georgian Church, John of Chimchimeli directed a literary school in the village of Gremi in Kakheti. to Janashvili, students at Saint John’s school were instructed in philosophy and theology as well as in the Greek, Syrian, and Arabic languages.

Bulgaria, 1185-1422, Folder, Second Bulgarian Empire

Bulgaria, 1185-1199, 12th Century Folder, 2nd Bulgarian Empire Begins

Bulgaria, 1189-1235, Sava I, 1st Serbian archbishop, caused Royal father mother become monastics, strengthened church&state
Serbia, 1189-1235, Sava I, 1st archbishop oSerbia, son oSerbian King S Nemanya and daughter Byzantine Emperor Romanus, fervently attended Church, special icon love, a17 i1186 met monk & left home fAthos &Panteleimon m, given tRussian monks 1169, Sava's birthdate, his father Nemanya threatened war against Greeks if not returned, even though warned always watch, Sava received monastic tonsure during evening services when drunk soldiers fell asleep, sava sent home worldly clothes, hair&letter which requested parents become monastics, they do, father wSon aVatopedi, before they founded Hilandar 1198, there Sava becomes deacon then presbyter, mother became nun named Anastasia, made archimandrite 1219 aThessalonica, same year made Archbishop, so Serbia could elect own archbishop, important because frequent wars east and west, tAthos fNicea tSay goodby all monasteries, deep remorse (regret guilt) for leaving paradise, but MOG spoke in dream, having my support why sorrow, sorrow tJoy, large icons Jesus&MOG in appearance memory, aThessalonica, His father monk Simeon's relics exuded fragrant myrrh, Sava in charge negotiations wHungarian King Vladislav, who had declared war wSerbia, brought him tOrthodoxy fCatholic, Facilitating autonomous Serbian Church, plus strengthened Serbian State by crowning brother Steven as king, then Radislav his son, then Holy Land tWorship, then Vladislav as King and betrothed him tBulgarian Prince Asan's daughter, he visited churches across Serbia, reformed monastic rules like Athos&Palestine, established many churches, appointed Asenius as his successor, then journey of no return to end his days as a wanderer in a foreign land, Palestine Syria Persia Babylon Egypt Anatola, finishing at Tronovo, Bulgaria wAsan, died 1237, healings at his relics iBulgaria and Serbia at Church oMileshevo; St Savva I, Archbishop of Serbia, Commemorated on January 14 Savva, First Archbishop of Serbia, the world Rostislav (Rastko), was a son of the Serbian king Stephen Nemanya and Anna, daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Romanus. his early years he fervently attended church services had a special love for icons. seventeen years of age, Rostislav met a monk from Mount Athos, left his father’s house set off for the Saint Panteleimon monastery. divine Providence in 1169, the year of the saint’s birth, the ancient monastery of the Great Martyr and healer Panteleimon was given to Russian monks.) that his son was on Athos, his father mobilized his retainers headed by a faithful voevod wrote to the governor of the district which included Athos, saying that if his son were not returned to him, he would go to war against the Greeks. they arrived at the monastery, the voevod was ordered not to take his eyes off Rostislav. the evening services, when the soldiers had fallen asleep under the influence of wine, Rostislav received monastic tonsure (in 1186) sent to his parents his worldly clothes, his hair and a letter. Savva sought to persuade his powerful parents to accept monasticism. monk’s father (in monasticism Simeon, commemorated on February 13) and his son pursued asceticism at the Vatopedi monastery. Athos they established the Serbian Hilandar monastery, this monastery received its name by imperial grant. Hilandar monastery, Saint Savva was ordained to the diaconate and then presbyter. mother Anna became a nun with the name Anastasia (June 21). his holy life and virtuous deeds on Mount Athos, the monk was made an archimandrite (head group monasteries) at Thessalonica. Nicea in the year 1219 on the Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Ecumenical Patriarch Germanus consecrated Archimandrite Savva as Archbishop of Serbia. saint petitioned the Byzantine Emperor to grant permission for Serbian bishops to elect their own Archbishop in future. was a very important consideration in a time of frequent wars between the eastern and western powers. returned to the Holy Mountain from Nicea, the saint visited all the monasteries for the last time. made prostrations in all the churches calling to mind the blessed lives of the wilderness Fathers, he made his farewells to the ascetics with deep remorse, “leaving the Holy Mountain, as if from Paradise.” by his separation from the Holy Mountain, the saint went along the path from Athos just barely moving. Most Holy Theotokos spoke to the saint in a dream, “Having My Patronage (support fPatron), why do you remain sorrowful?” words roused him from despondency, changing his sorrow into joy. memory of this appearance, the saint commissioned large icons of the Savior and of the Mother of God at Thessalonica, and put them in a church. Serbia, the activity of the Hierarch in organizing the work of his native Church was accompanied by numerous signs and miracles. ------------------------------onk Simeon, the holy relics xuded fragrant myrrh. in charge of negotiations with the Hungarian King Vladislav, had declared war on Serbia, holy bishop not only brought about the desired peace for his country, he also brought the Hungarian monarch to Orthodoxy. he facilitated the start of the historical existence of the autonomous Serbian Church. Savva also contributed to strengthening the Serbian state. order to insure the independence of the Serbian state, Archbishop Savva crowned his powerful brother Stephen as king. the death of Stephen, his eldest son Radislav was crowned king, Saint Savva set off to the Holy Land “to worship at the holy tomb of Christ and fearsome Golgotha.” he returned to his native land, the saint blessed and crowned Vladislav as king. further strengthen the Serbian throne, he betrothed him to the daughter of the Bulgarian prince Asan. holy hierarch visited churches all across Serbia, reformed monastic rules on the model of Athos and Palestine, he established and consecrated many churches, strengthening the Orthodox in their faith. finished his work in his native land, the saint appointed the hieromonk Arsenius as his successor, him bishop and giving his blessing to all. then set off on a journey of no return, “to end his days as a wanderer in a foreign land.” passed through Palestine, Syria and Persia, Babylon, Egypt and Anatolia, visiting the holy places, conversing with great ascetics, and collecting the holy relics of saints. saint finished his wanderings at Trnovo in Bulgaria at the home of his kinsman Asan, with spiritual joy he gave up his soul to the Lord (+ 1237). the time of transfer of the holy relics of Saint Savva to Serbia in 1237, were so many healings that the Bulgarians began to complain about Asan, “because he had given up such a treasure.” the saint’s own country, his venerable relics were placed in the Church of Mileshevo, healing on all who approached with faith. inhabitants of Trnovo continued to receive healing from the remnants of the saint’s coffin, Asan ordered to be gathered together and placed in a newly built sarcophagus. legacy of Saint Savva lives on in the Orthodox Church traditions of the Slavic nations. is associated with the introduction of the Jerusalem Typikon as the basis for Slavic Monastic Rules. Serbian Hilandar monastery on Mt. Athos lives by the Typikon of Saint Savva to this day. of The Rudder (a collection of church canons) of Saint Savva, with commentary by Alexis Aristines, are the most widely disseminated in the Russian Church. 1270 the first copy of The Rudder of Saint Savva was sent from Bulgaria to Metropolitan Cyril of Kiev. this was copied one of the most ancient of the Russian Rudders, the Ryazan Rudder of 1284. in turn was the source for a printed Rudder published in 1653, since that time often reprinted by the Russian Church. was the legacy of Saint Savva to the canonical treasury of Orthodoxy. Serbia, 1189-1235, Saint Sava I, Metropolitan of Zica, Son of Nemanja, Hilandar, Law, Constttn, tEnlightener, Serb Prince, Orthodox monk, autocephalous Serb church archbishop, Serb law founder, diplomat, youngest son oSteven Nemanja, Sava ruled Hum briefly 1090-93, then tAthos, became monk Sava, established Hilandar m, important Serb culture religious center, 1219 Constantinople Patriarch (exiled in Nicea) recognized him aSerb Archbishop, 1219 wrote Serb Constitution, Zakonopravilo nomocanon, which secured both religious&Political independence, founder Serbian midieval lit, important figure Serb history, patron saint Serbia, his church iBelgrade large bldg in the world, where his relics burnt bOttomans 1594; Serbian Saint, 1219-1235, Saint Sava, Metropolitan of Zica; Sava (1169 -14 January 1236), as the Enlightener, a Serbian prince and Orthodox monk, first Archbishop of the autocephalous Serbian Church, founder of Serbian law, a diplomat. born as Rastko, was the youngest son of Serbian Grand Prince Stefan Nemanja of the Nemanji dynasty), and ruled the appanage of Hum briefly in 1190-“92. then left for Mount Athos, where he became a monk with the name Sava (Sabbas). Athos he established the monastery of Hilandar, became one of the most important cultural and religious centres of the Serbian people. 1219 the Patriarchate exiled in Nicea recognized him as the first Serbian Archbishop, in the same year he authored the oldest known constitution of Serbia, Zakonopravilo nomocanon, securing full independence; both religious and political. is regarded as the founder of Serbian medieval literature.[6][7][8] is widely considered as one of the most important figures of Serbian history. Sava is venerated by the Serbian Orthodox Church as its founder on January 27 [O.S. January 14]. artistic works from the Middle Ages to modern times have interpreted his career. is the patron saint of Serbia, Serbs, and Serbian education. Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade is dedicated to him, where the Ottomans burnt his remains in 1594 during an uprising in which the Serbs used icons of Sava as their war flags; church is one of the largest church buildings in the world. St Savva I, Archbishop of Serbia, Commemorated on January 14 Savva, First Archbishop of Serbia, the world Rostislav (Rastko), was a son of the Serbian king Stephen Nemanya and Anna, daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Romanus. his early years he fervently attended church services had a special love for icons. seventeen years of age, Rostislav met a monk from Mount Athos, left his father’s house set off for the Saint Panteleimon monastery. divine Providence in 1169, the year of the saint’s birth, the ancient monastery of the Great Martyr and healer Panteleimon was given to Russian monks.) that his son was on Athos, his father mobilized his retainers headed by a faithful voevod wrote to the governor of the district which included Athos, saying that if his son were not returned to him, he would go to war against the Greeks. they arrived at the monastery, the voevod was ordered not to take his eyes off Rostislav. the evening services, when the soldiers had fallen asleep under the influence of wine, Rostislav received monastic tonsure (in 1186) sent to his parents his worldly clothes, his hair and a letter. Savva sought to persuade his powerful parents to accept monasticism. monk’s father (in monasticism Simeon, commemorated on February 13) and his son pursued asceticism at the Vatopedi monastery. Athos they established the Serbian Hilandar monastery, this monastery received its name by imperial grant. Hilandar monastery, Saint Savva was ordained to the diaconate and then presbyter. mother Anna became a nun with the name Anastasia (June 21). his holy life and virtuous deeds on Mount Athos, the monk was made an archimandrite (head group monasteries) at Thessalonica. Nicea in the year 1219 on the Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Ecumenical Patriarch Germanus consecrated Archimandrite Savva as Archbishop of Serbia. saint petitioned the Byzantine Emperor to grant permission for Serbian bishops to elect their own Archbishop in future. was a very important consideration in a time of frequent wars between the eastern and western powers. returned to the Holy Mountain from Nicea, the saint visited all the monasteries for the last time. made prostrations in all the churches calling to mind the blessed lives of the wilderness Fathers, he made his farewells to the ascetics with deep remorse, “leaving the Holy Mountain, as if from Paradise.” by his separation from the Holy Mountain, the saint went along the path from Athos just barely moving. Most Holy Theotokos spoke to the saint in a dream, “Having My Patronage (support fPatron), why do you remain sorrowful?” words roused him from despondency, changing his sorrow into joy. memory of this appearance, the saint commissioned large icons of the Savior and of the Mother of God at Thessalonica, and put them in a church. Serbia, the activity of the Hierarch in organizing the work of his native Church was accompanied by numerous signs and miracles. the Liturgy and the all-night Vigil, when the saint came to cense the grave of his father the monk Simeon, the holy relics exuded fragrant myrrh. in charge of negotiations with the Hungarian King Vladislav, had declared war on Serbia, holy bishop not only brought about the desired peace for his country, he also brought the Hungarian monarch to Orthodoxy. he facilitated the start of the historical existence of the autonomous Serbian Church. Savva also contributed to strengthening the Serbian state. order to insure the independence of the Serbian state, Archbishop Savva crowned his powerful brother Stephen as king. the death of Stephen, his eldest son Radislav was crowned king, Saint Savva set off to the Holy Land “to worship at the holy tomb of Christ and fearsome Golgotha.” he returned to his native land, the saint blessed and crowned Vladislav as king. further strengthen the Serbian throne, he betrothed him to the daughter of the Bulgarian prince Asan. holy hierarch visited churches all across Serbia, reformed monastic rules on the model of Athos and Palestine, he established and consecrated many churches, strengthening the Orthodox in their faith. finished his work in his native land, the saint appointed the hieromonk Arsenius as his successor, him bishop and giving his blessing to all. then set off on a journey of no return, “to end his days as a wanderer in a foreign land.” passed through Palestine, Syria and Persia, Babylon, Egypt and Anatolia, visiting the holy places, conversing with great ascetics, and collecting the holy relics of saints. saint finished his wanderings at Trnovo in Bulgaria at the home of his kinsman Asan, with spiritual joy he gave up his soul to the Lord (+ 1237). the time of transfer of the holy relics of Saint Savva to Serbia in 1237, were so many healings that the Bulgarians began to complain about Asan, “because he had given up such a treasure.” the saint’s own country, his venerable relics were placed in the Church of Mileshevo, healing on all who approached with faith. inhabitants of Trnovo continued to receive healing from the remnants of the saint’s coffin, Asan ordered to be gathered together and placed in a newly built sarcophagus. legacy of Saint Savva lives on in the Orthodox Church traditions of the Slavic nations. is associated with the introduction of the Jerusalem Typikon as the basis for Slavic Monastic Rules. Serbian Hilandar monastery on Mt. Athos lives by the Typikon of Saint Savva to this day. of The Rudder (a collection of church canons) of Saint Savva, with commentary by Alexis Aristines, are the most widely disseminated in the Russian Church. 1270 the first copy of The Rudder of Saint Savva was sent from Bulgaria to Metropolitan Cyril of Kiev. this was copied one of the most ancient of the Russian Rudders, the Ryazan Rudder of 1284. in turn was the source for a printed Rudder published in 1653, since that time often reprinted by the Russian Church. was the legacy of Saint Savva to the canonical teasury of Ort.

Bulgaria, 1197-1207, Emperor, Kaloyan, w R Pope, expansionist, took advantage of Fall of C against Latins
Bulgarian Emperor, 1197-1207, Kaloyan of Bulgaria; also known as Kalojan, Johannitsa or Ioannitsa (c. 1170 – October 1207) was Tsar of Bulgaria from 1196 to 1207. was a younger brother of Theodor and Asen who led the anti-Byzantine uprising of the Bulgarians and Vlachs in 1185. uprising ended with the restoration of the independence of Bulgaria. spent years as a hostage in Constantinople in the late 1180s. (who had been crowned emperor under the name Peter) made him his co-ruler after Asen was murdered in 1196. A year later, was also assassinated, and Kaloyan became the sole ruler of Bulgaria. obtain an imperial crown from the Holy See, Kaloyan entered into correspondence with Pope Innocent III, offering to acknowledge papal His expansionist policy brought him into conflict with the Byzantine Empire, Serbia and Hungary. King of Hungary allowed the papal legate who delivered a royal crown to Kaloyan to enter Bulgaria only at the Pope's demand. The legate crowned Kaloyan "King of the Bulgarians and Vlachs" on 8 November 1204, but Kaloyan continued to regard his realm as an empire. took advantage of the disintegration of the Byzantine Empire after the fall of Constantinople to the Crusaders (or "Latins") in 1204. captured fortresses in Macedonia and Thrace and supported the local population's riots against the crusaders. He defeated Baldwin I, Latin emperor of Constantinople, in the Battle of Adrianople on 14 April 1205. Baldwin was captured; he died in Kaloyan's prison. launched new campaigns against the crusaders and captured or destroyed dozens of their fortresses. He was thereafter known as Kaloyan the Romanslayer, because his troops murdered or captured thousands of Byzantines. He died under mysterious circumstances during the siege of Thessalonica in 1207. Translation of the relics of St Hilarion the Bishop of Meglin in Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 21; St Philothea of Thrace, the Protectress of Romania, Commemorated on December 7;

Bulgaria, 1198, Founding of Hilandar monastery, Mt Athos (Serbian and Bulgarian)
Hilandar monastery; Icon of the Mother of God "of the Three Hands" on Mt Athos; Icon of the Mother of God the "Milk-Giver" of the Hilandar Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated July 3 ; Icon of the Mother of God "œof the Three Hands"Â on Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 12 ; Icon of the Mother of God of Damascus, Commemorated on December 4 ; St Daniel II the Archbishop of Serbia, Commemorated December 20 ; St Sava I, First Archbishop of Serbia, Commemorated January 12 ; Icon of the Mother of God of the Akathist, Commemorated January 12 ; Icon of the Mother of God the "œMilkgiver"Â, Commemorated on January 12 ; Icon of the Mother of God, the "Priestly", Commemorated January 12 ; Hieromartyr Damascene of Hilandar of Mt Athos, Commemorated January 16 ; Venerable Stephen (In Monasticism Simeon), the Myrrhgusher and Prince of Serbia, Commemorated on February 13 ; Venerable Damian of Esphigmenou of Mt Athos, Commemorated February 23 ; Translation of the relics of St Nicephorus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 13 ; Icon of the Mother of God "œof the Akathist"Â, Commemorated on March 27; New Martyr Acacius the Martyr of Mt Athos and Seres, Commemorated on May 1; Prophet Isaiah, Commemorated on May 9 ; St Nicodemus the Archbishop of Serbia, Commemorated on May 11 ; Venerable Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19; Icon of the Mother of God of "œthe Three Hands"Â, Commemorated on June 28; Icon of the Mother of God the "œMilk-Giver"Â of the Hilandar Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on July 3;

Bulgaria, 1198, Priestly Icon, Hilandar, heretical priest, carried this icon, fell into sea&drowned
Greece, Mt Athos, 1198, Priestly Icon, Hilandar monastery, Mt Athos (Serbian, Bulgarian), at tKatholkon (main church), by column otKliros (choir section), heretical priest, declared himself orthodox, acted wEvil purpose, carried this icon during blessing otWater procession, fell into sea and drowned, since then cross procession done wThis icon and carried by aPriest; Hilandar monastery; Icon of the Mother of God, the "Priestly", Commemorated January 12 ; Priestly Icon of the Mother of God stands in the katholikon of Hilandar Monastery by a column of the left kliros. certain heretical priest, having declared himself Orthodox, acted at the Hilandar monastery with evil purpose, but he was punished. the procession for the blessing of water he took this icon but stumbled, fell into the sea and drowned. that time the cross procession is always done with this icon, invariably a priest carries it, it was called “Priestly” by the Serbs.

Bulgaria, 1200, 13th Century Folder, 2nd Bulgarian Empire Thrives

Bulgaria, 1204, Sack of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusade, led to several Empires
Constantinople, 1204, Sack of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusade Byzantine Emperor, 1205-1215, Michael I Komnenos Doukas; Greatmartyr Marina (Margaret) of Antioch in Pisidia, Commemorated on July 17; Translation of the relics of St Hilarion the Bishop of Meglin in Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 21;

Bulgaria, 1204, Tatiana's Relics, disdained riches, virgin, served, prayed fTormentors, Idols smashed, completely healed 3times
Rome, 222-235, Tatoama oRome (Aniene River, Tiber River 5), father secret wealthy christian, she decided remain virgin, disdaining earthly riches, deaconess, fasting prayer, tending sick needy, time o16yr old Alex Severus, regen Ulpian, she arrested, tApollo temple, her prayer caused earthquake, idol smashed, temple fell on pagans, demon fled screeching, demon shadow, T's eyes torn out, she prayed for tormentors, angels encircled T beating tormentors, heaven voice, 8 men believed&executed, she next day completely healed before judge, she slashed wRazors, wonderous fragrance, beaten so long servants replaced times, invisible power beating torturers, angels turned blows back torturers, 9 fell dead, tPrison, all night praises sang wAngels, next morning completely healthy, even more radient&beautiful, T seemed agreeable sacrifice tDiana, Thunder crash, Lightning struck D&Priests, she hung up scraped wIron claws, that night Angels healed wounds, next day tCircus wHungry Lion licked her feet, then killed torturer, T into fire, no harm, thought a sorceress cut hair locked her up Zeus Temple, Zeus shattered she praising God, she beheaded wHer father, Relics Tatiana iCraiova, Romania 1204 & Tarnovo Bulgaria, then Bucovat m near Craiova, 1393 her head to Nicea, Bythynia, then Holy Apostles Church, Constn, 1453 tCraopvesto and Bistrita m wGregory tDecapolite body, then tCurtea de Arges, 1955 tRamnicu Valcea, today iCraiova wNipon's relics &Sergius&Bacchus relics; Rome; Martyr Tatiana of Rome, and those who suffered with Her, Commemorated January 12 ; Holy Virgin Martyr Tatiana was born into an illustrious Roman family, her father was elected consul three times. was secretly a Christian and raised his daughter to be devoted to God and the Church. she reached the age of maturity, Tatiana decided to remain a virgin, betrothing herself to Christ. earthly riches, she sought instead the imperishable wealth of Heaven. was made a deaconess in one of the Roman churches and served God in fasting and prayer, tending the sick and helping the needy. Rome was ruled by the sixteen-year-old Alexander Severus (222-235), power was concentrated in the hands of the regent Ulpian, an evil enemy and persecutor of Christians. blood flowed like water. was also arrested, and they brought her into the temple of Apollo to force her to offer sacrifice to the idol. saint began praying, suddenly there was an earthquake. idol was smashed into pieces, and part of the temple collapsed and fell down on the pagan priests and many pagans. demon inhabiting the idol fled screeching from that place. Those present saw its shadow flying through the air. they tore holy virgin’s eyes out with hooks, but she bravely endured everything, praying for her tormentors that the Lord would open their spiritual eyes. the Lord heard the prayer of His servant. executioners saw four angels encircle the saint and beat her tormentors. voice was heard from the heavens speaking to the holy virgin. men believed in Christ and fell on their knees before Saint Tatiana, begging them to forgive them their sin against her. confessing themselves Christians they were tortured and executed, receiving Baptism by blood. next day Saint Tatiana was brought before the wicked judge. her completely healed of all her wounds, they stripped her and beat her, and slashed her body with razors. wondrous fragrance then filled the air. she was stretched out on the ground and beaten for so long that the servants had to be replaced several times. torturers became exhausted and said that an invisible power was beating them with iron rods. the angels warded off the blows directed at her and turned them upon the tormentors, causing nine of them to fall dead. then threw the saint in prison, she prayed all night and sang praises to the Lord with the angels. new morning began, and they took Saint Tatiana to the tribunal once more. torturers beheld with astonishment that after such terrible torments she appeared completely healthy and even more radiant and beautiful than before. began to urge her to offer sacrifice to the goddess Diana. saint seemed agreeable, and they took her to the heathen temple. Tatiana made the Sign of the Cross and began to pray. there was a crash of deafening thunder, and lightning struck the idol, the sacrificial offerings and the pagan priests. again, the martyr was fiercely tortured. was hung up and scraped with iron claws, her breasts were cut off. night, angels appeared to her in prison and healed her wounds as before. the following day, they took Saint Tatiana to the circus and loosed a hungry lion on her. The beast did not harm the saint, but meekly licked her feet. they were taking the lion back to its cage, it killed one of the torturers. threw Tatiana into a fire, but the fire did not harm the martyr. pagans, thinking that she was a sorceress, cut her hair to take away her magical powers, then locked her up in the temple of Zeus. the third day, pagan priests came to the temple intending to offer sacrifice to Zeus. beheld the idol on the floor, shattered to pieces, and the holy martyr Tatiana joyously praising the Lord Jesus Christ. The judge then condemned the valiant sufferer to be beheaded with a sword. Her father was also executed with her, because he had raised her to love Christ. Relics of Saint Tatiana in Craiova honorable head of the Holy Martyr Tatiana was first brought to Romania in 1204, members of the ruling family (Asanestan dynasty) placed it in a church in Tarnovo (Bulgaria) then in Bucovat Monastery (near Craiova). however, in 1393, the head of the Saint was taken to a church in the town of Nicaea (where the First Ecumenical Synod met), then to Constantinople, and placed in the Church of the Holy Apostles. 1453, after the conquest of Constantinople by the Turks, during the reign of Neagoe Basarab, the Craioveşti boyars brought the head of the holy Martyr Tatiana to this country, well as the entire body of Saint Gregory the Decapolite (November 20), they placed in the church of Bistriţa Monastery. that monastery, the relics of Saint Tatiana were taken by Saint Neagoe Basarab (September 15) and brought to the royal church at Curtea de Argeș. with the reorganization of the Metropolitan Church of Oltenia (1950-1955), the honorable skull of Saint Tatiana was taken from Curtea de Argeș and brought to the Episcopal Cathedral of Râmnicu Vâlcea in 1955. the honored relics were permanently enshrined in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Craiova. the holy relics of Saint Tatiana are kept, with great honor, in the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrios in Craiova, the same reliquary with the relics of Saint Niphon of Constantinople (August 11), and the Holy Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus (October 7).

Bulgaria, 1204-1261, Latin Empire Constantinople, Crusader State
Constantinople, 1204-1261, Latin Empire, Crusader State; The Latin Empire, also referred to as the Latin Empire of Constantinople, was a feudal Crusader state founded by the leaders of the Fourth Crusade on lands captured from the Byzantine Empire. The Latin Empire was intended to replace the Byzantine Empire as the Western-recognized Roman Empire in the east, with a Catholic emperor enthroned in place of the Eastern Orthodox Roman emperors. The Fourth Crusade had originally been called to retake the Muslim-controlled city of Jerusalem but a sequence of economic and political events culminated in the Crusader army sacking the city of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Originally, the plan had been to restore the deposed Byzantine Emperor Isaac II Angelos, who had been usurped by Alexios III Angelos, to the throne. The crusaders had been promised financial and military aid by Isaac's son Alexios, with which they had planned to continue to Jerusalem. When the crusaders reached Constantinople the situation quickly turned volatile and while Isaac and Alexios briefly ruled, the crusaders did not receive the payment they had hoped for. In April 1204, they captured and plundered the city's enormous wealth. The crusaders selected their own emperor from among their own ranks, Baldwin of Flanders, and divided the territory of the Byzantine Empire into various new vassal crusader states. The Latin Empire's authority was immediately challenged by Byzantine rump states led by the Laskaris family (connected to the Angelos dynasty of 1185-“1204) in Nicaea and the Komnenos family (which had ruled as Byzantine Emperors 1081-“1185) in Trebizond. From 1224 to 1242 the Komnenos Doukas family, also connected to the Angeloi, challenged Latin authority from Thessalonica. The Latin Empire failed to attain political or economic dominance over the other Latin powers that had been established in former Byzantine territories in the wake of the Fourth Crusade, especially Venice, and after a short initial period of military successes it went into a steady decline due to constant war with Bulgaria to the north and the various Byzantine claimants. Eventually, the Nicaean Empire recovered Constantinople and restored the Byzantine Empire under Michael VIII Palaiologos in 1261. The last Latin emperor, Baldwin II, went into exile, but the imperial title survived, with several pretenders to it, until the 14th century. Like the term "Byzantine Empire", "Latin Empire" was not a contemporary term used by the empire itself or the rest of the world. The Byzantines referred to the Latin Empire as the Frankokratia and the Latin Emperors themselves referred to the empire by various names, commonly imperium Constantinopolitanum (lit. Empire of Constantinople), but also imperium Romaniae (lit. Empire of Romania) and imperium Romanorum (lit. Empire of the Romans). The term Romania ("Land of the Romans") had been used unofficially by the population of the Byzantine Empire for their country for centuries.

Bulgaria, 1207-1218, Emperor, Boril, w Latins&Hungrns, against Ivan Asen II w Thesslnc&Serbia, Asen won
Bulgarian Emperor, 1207-1218, Boril of Bulgaria; (Bulgarian: ) was the emperor (tsar) of Bulgaria from 1207 to 1218. He was the son of an unnamed sister of his predecessor, Kaloyan and Kaloyan's brothers, Peter II and Ivan Asen I, who had restored the independent Bulgarian state. Kaloyan died unexpectedly in October 1207, Boril married his widow, a Cuman princess and seized the throne. cousin, Ivan Asen, fled from Bulgaria, enabling Boril to strengthen his position. His other kinsmen, Strez and Alexius Slav, refused to acknowledge him as the lawful monarch. took possession of the land between the Struma and Vardar rivers with the support of Stefan Nemanja of Serbia. Alexius Slav secured his rule in the Rhodope Mountains with the assistance of Henry, the Latin Emperor of Constantinople. launched unsuccessful military campaigns against the Latin Empire and the Kingdom of Thessalonica during the first years of his reign. convoked the synod of the Bulgarian Church in early 1211. At the assembly, the bishops condemned the Bogomils for heresy. an uprising broke out against him in Vidin between 1211 and 1214, he sought the assistance of Andrew II of Hungary, who sent reinforcements to suppress the rebellion. made peace with the Latin Empire in late 1213 or early 1214. After Henry died in 1216 and Andrew II left Hungary for a crusade, Ivan Asen returned to Bulgaria. He captured and blinded Boril in Tarnovo in St Philothea of Thrace, the Protectress of Romania, Commemorated on December 7;

Bulgaria, 1218-1241, Emperor, Ivan Asen II, blinded Bl, defeated Doucas of Thessa, Via trade, return to Orthodoxy
Bulgaria, 1218-1241, Emperor, Ivan Asen II of Bulgaria ; Asen II, also known as John Asen II or John Asan II (Bulgarian: ; 1190s -May/June 1241), was Emperor (Tsar) of Bulgaria from 1218 to 1241. He was still a child when his father Ivan Asen I “ one of the founders of the Second Bulgarian Empire “ was killed in 1196. His supporters tried to secure the throne for him after his uncle, Kaloyan, was murdered in 1207, but Kaloyan's other nephew, Boril, overcame them. Ivan Asen fled from Bulgaria and settled in the Rus' principalities. Boril could never strengthen his rule which enabled Ivan Asen to muster an army and return to Bulgaria. He captured Tarnovo and blinded Boril in 1218. Initially, he supported the full communion of the Bulgarian Church with the Papacy and concluded alliances with the neighboring Catholic powers, Hungary and the Latin Empire of Constantinople. He tried to achieve the regency for the 11-year-old Latin Emperor, Baldwin II, after 1228, but the Latin aristocrats did not support Ivan Asen. He inflicted a crushing defeat on Theodore Komnenos Doukas of the Empire of Thessalonica, in the Battle of Klokotnitsa in 1230. Theodore's empire soon collapsed and Ivan Asen conquered large territories in Macedonia, Thessaly and Thrace. control of the trade on the Via Egnatia enabled Ivan Asen to implement an ambitious building program in Tarnovo and struck gold coins in his new mint in Ohrid. He started negotiations about the return of the Bulgarian Church to Orthodoxy after the barons of the Latin Em,,pire had elected John of Brienne regent for Baldwin II in 1229. Ivan Asen and the Emperor of Nicaea, John III Vatatzes, concluded an alliance against the Latin Empire at their meeting in 1235. During the same conference, the rank of patriarch was granted to the head of the Bulgarian Church in token of its autocephaly (independence). Ivan Asen and Vatatzes joined their forces in attacking Constantinople, but the former realized that Vatatzes could primarily take advantage of the fall of the Latin Empire and broke off his alliance with Nicaea in 1237. After the Mongols invaded the Pontic steppes, several Cuman groups fled to Bulgaria. Venerable Parasceva (Petka) of Serbia, Commemorated on October 14, Transfer of her relics Translation of the relics of Venerable St John the Abbot of Rila in Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 19 ;

Bulgaria, 1218, Philothea oRomania&Bulgaria, Killed by father fGiving, relics wanted move Curtea de Argesh Romania
Bulgaria, 1218, Philothea oArgesh, Romania, born Trnovo (capital city), Bulgaria (Yantra River 2.3), farmer, mother fWallacia, died, fRemarried, she punished bStepMom, for giving, killed b Father's axe fGiving his food to poor children, remorse, couldn't lift body, ran tArchbishop tConfess&explain, Abishop couldn't lift it, asked her which monastery, lifted it after mentioning Curtea de Argesh in Romania, body transferred there, relics many miracles, yearly festal pilgrimage, relics carried around courtyard, prayers for sick, venerated Bulgaria, Romania, &Orthodox world; Trnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2); St Philothea of Thrace, the Protectress of Romania, Commemorated December 7 ; Philothea (Philofthea) of Argesh was born in Trnovo, the old capital of Bulgaria, around 1206. father was a farmer, and her mother was from Wallachia. died when Philothea was still a child, and her father remarried. child was often punished by her stepmother, who accused her of being disobedient, and of giving their possesions away to the poor. father chastised her for this, but Philothea continued to attend church services and to do good to others, just as her mother had taught her. she grew older, she was adorned with the virtues of prayer, virginity, and almsgiving. Philothea used to bring food to her father, who was out working in the fields. all of the food reached him, however, because the girl would give some of it to the poor children begging in the street. he complained to his wife that she did not prepare enough food for him, she replied, “I send you plenty of food. Ask your daughter what she does with it.” angry with Philothea, her father decided to spy on her to see what happened to the food. From a place of concealment, he saw her giving food to the poor children who came to her. a violent rage, he took the axe from his belt and threw it at the twelve-year-old girl, hitting her in the leg. The wound was mortal, and she soon gave her pure soul into God’s hands. man was filled with fear and remorse, and tried to lift his daughter’s body from the ground, but it became as heavy as a rock. the wretch ran to the Archbishop of Trnovo to confess his sin and explain what had happened. Archbishop and his clergy went with candles and incense to take up the martyr’s body and bring it to the cathedral, but even they were unable to lift it. Archbishop realized that Saint Philothea did not wish to remain in her native land, so he began to name various monasteries, churches, and cathedrals to see where she wished to go. until he named the Monastery of Curtea de Argesh in Romania were they able to lift her holy relics and place them in a coffin. Archbishop wrote to the Romanian Voievode Radu Negru, asking him to accept the saint’s relics. Archbishop and his clergy carried the holy relics in procession as far as the Danube, they were met by Romanian clergy, monastics, and the faithful. Then they were carried to the Curtea de Argesh Monastery. people have been healed at the tomb of Saint Philothea in a small chapel in the belltower behind the monastery church, those who entreat her intercession receive help from her. year on December 7 there is a festal pilgrimage to the Monastery, and people come from all over Romania. relics of Saint Philothea are carried around the courtyard in procession, and there are prayers for the sick. holy Virgin Martyr Philothea is venerated in Romania, Bulgaria, and throughout the Orthodox world.

Bulgaria, 1220-1287, Simon tMyrrhgusher& his star's New Bethlehem or Simonopetra monastey, Mt Athos, many miracles
Greece, Mt Athos, 1220-1287, Simon tMyrrhgusher, Simonopetra monastery, Mt Athos, Simon's ascetic life glorified bMany miracles, founder New Bethlehem Monastery now named after him Simonopetra, One night bright star like star oBethlehem appeared near his cave, seeing motionless star several nights, first thought demonic temptation, but on night oNativity star moved over high rock & MOG voice said Here simon you must lay foundations of your monastery for salvation osouls, for the star he built New Bethlehem m, he died 1287; New Bethlehem or Simonopetra monastery; Monastery (Greek: Σιμωνόπετρα, literally: "Simon's Rock"), also Monastery of Simonos Petra (Greek: Μονή Σίμωνος Πέτρας), is an Eastern Orthodox monastery in the monastic state of Mount Athos in Greece. Simonopetra ranks thirteenth in the hierarchy of the Athonite monasteries. monastery is located in the southern coast of the Athos peninsula, between the Athonite port of Dafni and Osiou Grigoriou monastery. While the southern coast of Athos is quite rugged in general, the particular site upon which the monastery is built is exceptionally harsh. It is built on top of a single huge rock, practically hanging from a cliff 330 metres over the sea.[1] The monastery currently houses 54 monks, and the hegumen is Archimandrite Eliseus. monastery was founded during the 13th century by Simon the Athonite, who was later sanctified by the Eastern Orthodox Church as Saint Simon the Myrrh-bearer. holds that Simon, while dwelling in a nearby cave, saw a dream in which the Theotokos instructed him to build a monastery on top of the rock, him that she would protect and provide for him and the monastery. original monastery was called by Simon "New Bethlehem" (Greek: Νέα Βηθλεέμ) and is to this day dedicated to the Nativity of Jesus. 1364, the Serbian despot Jovan Uglješa funded the renovation and expansion of the monastery. pilgrim Isaiah wrote that, by the end of the 15th century, the monastery was Bulgarian.[2] 1581, Simonopetra was destroyed by a fire, in which a large portion of the monks died. the monastery's abbot traveled to the Danubian Principalities hoping to raise funds to rebuild the monastery. most important donor was Michael the Brave, Prince of Wallachia, who donated large portions of land as well as money to the monastery. monastery was also burnt in 1626, the last great fire happened in 1891, after which the monastery was rebuilt to its current form. recent centuries, the monks of the monastery were traditionally from Ionia in Asia Minor. during the mid 20th century the brotherhood was greatly thinned out because of a great reduction in the influx of new monks. current brotherhood originates from the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron in Meteora as in 1973 the Athonite community headed by Archimandrite Emilianos decided to repopulate the almost abandoned monastery. Venerable Simon the Myrrh-gusher of Mt Athos, Commemorated December 28 ; Simon the Myrrh-Gusher lived an ascetical life on Mt Athos, and was glorified by many miracles. was the founder of the New Bethlehem monastery, now known as Simonopetra. night, he saw a star of such brightness that he thought it must be the Star of Bethlehem. the star remain motionless for several nights, he thought at first that it was a demonic temptation. the eve of the Lord’s Nativity the star stood over a high rock, and Saint Simon heard a voice say, “Here, O Simon, you must lay the foundations of your monastery for the salvation of souls.” built the monastery and called it New Bethlehem. reposed in the year 1287, and his holy relics exude myrrh.

Bulgaria, 1241-1246, Emperor, Kaliman I, Mongols invaded, poisoned?
Bulgarian Emperor, 1241-1246, Kaliman I of Bulgaria; Asen I, also known as Coloman Asen I or Koloman (Bulgarian: ÐšÐ°Ð»Ð¸Ð¼Ð°Ð½ ÐÑÐµÐ½ I; 1234-August/September 1246) was Emperor (Tsar) of Bulgaria from 1241 to 1246. He was the son of Ivan Asen II of Bulgaria and Anna Maria of Hungary. He was only seven when he succeeded his father in 1241. In the following years, the Mongols invaded Bulgaria and imposed a yearly tax on the country. He may have been poisoned, according to contemporaneous rumors about his death.

Bulgaria, 1246-1256, Emperor, Michael Asen I, Epirus' Doucas invaded Bulgaria, m by his noblemen
Bulgarian Emperor, 1246-1256, Michael Asen I of Bulgaria; II Asen (Bulgarian: ÐœÐ¸Ñ…Ð°Ð¸Ð» II ÐÑÐµÐ½; c. 1239 – December 1256/January 1257),[a] more accurately[citation needed] Michael Asen I,[citation needed] was Emperor (Tsar) of Bulgaria from 1246 to 1256 or 1257. He was the son of Ivan Asen II of Bulgaria and Irene Komnene Doukaina. He succeeded his half-brother, Kaliman I Asen. His mother or other relative must have ruled Bulgaria during his minority. John III Doukas Vatatzes, Emperor of Nicaea, and Michael II of Epirus invaded Bulgaria shortly after Michael's ascension. Vatatzes captured the Bulgarian fortresses along the river Vardar; Michael of Epirus took possession of western Macedonia. In alliance with the Republic of Ragusa, Michael II Asen broke into Serbia in 1254, but he could not occupy Serbian territories. After Vatatzes died, he reconquered most territories lost to Nicea, but Vatatzes's son and successor, Theodore II Laskaris, launched a successful counter-offensive, forcing Michael to sign a peace treaty. Shortly after the treaty, discontented boyars (noblemen) murdered Michael. St. Sava I, First Archbishop of Serbia, Commemorated on January 14;

Bulgaria, 1256-1256, Emperor, Kaliman Asen II, m cousin hunting, Rostislav to Rus with daughter and emperor title
Bulgarian Emperor, 1256-1256, Kaliman Asen II of Bulgaria; Asen II (Bulgarian: ÐšÐ°Ð»Ð¸Ð¼Ð°Ð½ ÐÑÐµÐ½ II), or commonly, but less accurately Koloman Asen II, ruled as tsar of Bulgaria for a short time in 1256. The year of his birth is unknown. Kaliman Asen II was the son of sebastokrator Alexander, who was the younger brother of Ivan Asen II of Bulgaria. Kaliman Asen II's mother is unknown, and attempts to identify her as a Serbian princess are based on the erroneous identification of Kaliman Asen II with the sebastokrator Kaloyan, who was still alive in 1258/59. In 1256 Kaliman Asen murdered his first cousin Michael Asen I during a hunting party in the environs of the capital TÄƒrnovo and usurped the throne. In the process he married Michael Asen I's widow, the unnamed daughter of Rostislav Mihailovich, but he was unable to maintain himself on the throne. Rostislav advanced on TÄƒrnovo from Belgrade, and Kaliman Asen II fled the capital. Rostislav returned home with his daughter and claiming the title of emperor of Bulgaria, while a brother-in-law of Michael Asen I, Mitso Asen took the throne. In the meantime, Kaliman Asen II had been murdered after being abandoned by most of his supporters.

Bulgaria, 1256-1257, Emperor, Mitso Asen, related to Epirus' Doucas, not Michael Rostislav of Chernigov
Bulgarian Emperor, 1256-1257, Mitso Asen of Bulgaria; Asen (Bulgarian: ÐœÐ¸Ñ†Ð¾ ÐÑÐµÐ½) or Micho Asen (ÐœÐ¸Ñ‡Ð¾ ÐÑÐµÐ½) was the tsar of Bulgaria from 1256 until 1257. Asen ascended the throne by virtue of his marriage to Maria, a daughter of Ivan Asen II of Bulgaria by Irene Komnene of Epirus. The dates of his birth and death are unknown, and his antecedents are unclear, but neither his name (which is found in official contexts and is not the diminutive of "Michael"), nor his career described in the Byzantine sources allow an identification with Michael, the son of the Rus' prince and Hungarian Ban Rostislav Mikhailovich, nor any other member of the house of Chernigov. It is likely that, like his successor Constantine Tikh, Mitso Asen adopted the name Asen after his accession to the throne. He became emperor of Bulgaria after the murder of his wife's cousin, Kaliman Asen II, in 1256. Although he acquired some support in the capital TÄƒrnovo and in Preslav, he was faced by the hostility of much of the provincial nobility. Following an obscure unsuccessful campaign against Theodore II Lascaris of the Empire of Nicaea, Mitso lost control even over the commoners. the nobility proclaimed Constantine Tikh emperor instead, Mitso and his family fled the capital in 1257 and attempted to resist from Preslav and then Mesembria (now NesebÄƒr). In exchange for asylum and lands, he turned over Mesembria and its environs to Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos and sought refuge in Nicaea. He was given lands in the Troad, where he remained with his family. The date of his death is unknown, but it is likely that he was no longer alive in 1277/1278, when his son Ivan Asen III was put forward as a claimant to the Bulgarian throne by the Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII.

Bulgaria, 1257-77, Emperor, Konstan Tikh, Sofia noble, Nemanja gson, Tarnovo nobles, Nicea, w Mongols, regent wife o union
Bulgarian Emperor, 1257-1277, Constantine Tikh of Bulgaria; Tih (Bulgarian: ÐšÐ¾Ð½ÑÑ‚Ð°Ð½Ñ‚Ð¸Ð½ Ð¢Ð¸Ñ… ÐÑÐµÐ½; fl. 1257–77) or Constantine I Tikh (ÐšÐ¾Ð½ÑÑ‚Ð°Ð½Ñ‚Ð¸Ð½ I), was the tsar of Bulgaria from 1257 to 1277. life[edit] Tih was a wealthy Bulgarian boyar (or nobleman) whose estates were located in the region of Sofia or Skopje.[1][2] Konstantin stated in his charter to the Saint George Monastery near Skopje that Stefan Nemanja of Serbia was his grandfather.[3] The Byzantine historian, George Pachymeres, described him as a "half-Serbian".[4] He could have been related to the Serbian royal house through either his mother or father.[4] If he was a patrilinear relative of Nemanja, his father, Tih, may have been the son of Nemanja's brother, Tihomir, according to historian Srdjan PirivatriÄ‡.[5] PirivatriÄ‡[6] and other scholars[7][8] also say, Konstantin may have been a son or a nephew of the Bulgarian boyar John Tihomir, who controlled Skopje in the late 12th century. If Konstantin was related to the Serbian royal house through his mother, a daughter or a niece of Nemanja must have been his mother.[9] Tih mounted the Bulgarian throne after the death of Michael II Asen,[10] but the circumstances of his ascension are obscure.[1] Michael Asen was murdered by his cousin, Kaliman in late 1256 or early 1257.[2][1] Before long, Kaliman was also killed, and the male line of the Asen dynasty died out.[2] Mikhailovich, Duke of Macsó (who was Michael and Kaliman's father-in-law), and the boyar Mitso (who was Michael's brother-in-law), laid claim to Bulgaria.[1] Rostislav captured Vidin, Mitso held sway over southeastern Bulgaria, but none of them could secure the support of the boyars who controlled Tarnovo.[11] The latter offered the throne Konstantin who accepted the election.[1] divorced his first wife (whose name is unknown), and married Irene Doukaina Laskarina in 1258.[1] Irene was the daughter of Theodore II Laskaris, Emperor of Nicaea, and Elena of Bulgaria, a daughter of Ivan Asen II of Bulgaria.[1][12] The marriage with a descendant of the Bulgarian royal family strengthened his position.[1][12] He was thereafter called Konstantin Asen.[12] The marriage also forged an alliance between Bulgaria and Nicaea,[10][12] which was confirmed one or two years later, when the Byzantine historian and official George Akropolites came to Tarnovo.[13] with Hungary[edit] Mikhailovich invaded Bulgaria with Hungarian assistance in 1259.[14] In the following year, Rostislav left his duchy to join the campaign of his father-in-law, Béla IV of Hungary, against Bohemia.[14][15] Taking advantage of Rostislav's absence, Konstantin broke into his realm and reoccupied Vidin.[15] He also sent an army to attack the Banate of Severin, but the Hungarian commander, Lawrence, fought the invaders off.[15][14] Bulgarian invasion of Severin outraged Béla IV.[15] Soon after he concluded a peace treaty with Ottokar II of Bohemia in March 1261, Hungarian troops stormed into Bulgaria under the command of Béla IV's son and heir, Stephen.[15] They captured Vidin and besieged Lom on the Lower Danube,[14] but they were unable to bring Konstantin to a pitched battle, because he withdrew to Tarnovo.[15] The Hungarian army left Bulgaria before the end of the year, but the campaign restored northwestern Bulgaria to Rostislav.[15] with the Byzantine Empire[edit] c.1260 minor brother-in-law, John IV Laskaris, was dethroned and blinded by his former guardian and co-ruler, Michael VIII Palaiologos, before the end of 1261.[10] Michael VIII's army had occupied Constantinople already in July, thus the coup made him the sole ruler of the restored Byzantine Empire.[10] The rebirth of the empire changed the traditional relations between the powers of the Balkan Peninsula.[16] Furthermore, Konstantine's wife decided to take vengeance of her brother's mutilation and persuaded Konstantine to turn against Michael.[15][17] who still held southeastern Bulgaria, made an alliance with the Byzantines, but another powerful nobleman, Jacob Svetoslav, who had taken control of the southwestern region, was loyal to Konstantine.[18] Benefiting from a war between the Byzantine Empire, the Republic of Venice, Achaea and Epirus, Konstantine invaded Thrace and captured Stanimaka and Philippopolis (now Asenovgrad and Plovdiv in Bulgaria) in the autumn of 1262.[18][19] Mitso was also forced to flee to Mesembria (now Nesebar in Bulgaria).[20] After Konstantine laid siege to the town, Mitso sought assistance from the Byzantines, offering to surrender Mesembria to them in exchange for landed property in the Byzantine Empire.[21] Michael VIII accepted the offer and sent Michael Glabas Tarchaneiotes to help Mitso in 1263.[20] second Byzantine army stormed into Thrace and recaptured Stanimaka and Philippopolis.[21] After seizing Mesembria from Mitso, Glabas Tarchaneiotes continued his campaign along the Black Sea and occupied Agathopolis, Sozopolis and Anchialos (now Ahtopol, Sozopol and Pomorie in Bulgaria).[20] Meanwhile, the Byzantine fleet took control of Vicina and other ports at the Danube Delta.[21] Glabas Tarchaneiotes attacked Jacob Svetoslav who could only resist with Hungarian assistance, thus he accepted Béla IV's suzerainty.[22][23] a consequence of the war with the Byzantines, by the end of 1263, Bulgaria lost significant territories to his two principal enemies, the Byzantine Empire and Hungary.[24] Konstantin could only seek assistance from the Tatars of the Golden Horde to put an end to his isolation.[24] The Tatar khans had been the overlords of the Bulgarian monarchs for almost two decades, although their rule was only formal.[16] A former Sultan of Rum, Kaykaus II, who had been imprisoned at Michael VIII's order, also wanted to regain his throne with the Tatars' help.[24] One of his uncles was a prominent leader of the Golden Horde and he sent messages to him to persuade the Tatars to invade the Byzantine Empire with Bulgarian assistance.[25] According to the Byzantine historian, Nicephorus Gregoras, Kaykaus also approached Konstantin, offering much money to him if he came to release him.[26] of Tatars crossed the frozen Lower Danube to invade the Byzantine Empire in late 1264.[26][24] Konstantin soon joined them,[27] although he had fallen from a horse and broken his leg.[28] The united Tatar and Bulgarian armies launched a sudden attack against Michael VIII who was returning from Thessaly to Constantinople, but they could not capture the emperor.[29] Konstantin laid siege the Byzantine fortress of Ainos (now Enez in Turkey), forcing the defenders to surrender.[29] The Byzantines also agreed to release Kaykaus (who soon left for the Golden Horde), but his family was kept imprisoned even thereafter.[27][30] Konstantine's alliance with the Tatars strengthened his position.[31] Jacob Svetoslav again accepted his suzerainty.[32][31] Taking advantage of a civil war in Hungary, Jacob Svetoslav also invaded the Banate of Severin.[32][31] The Hungarian civil war ended with the division of the country between Béla IV and Stephen in March 1266.[31] Stephen launched a military campaign against Bulgaria and captured Vidin in June.[31] Konstantin tried to resist, but the Hungarians defeated his army and plundered the region of Tarnovo.[31] The Hungarians captured Pleven and other fortresses on the Danube and forced Jacob Svetoslav to again do homage to Stephen.[33] Thereafter Jacob Svetoslav was styled as "emperor of Bulgaria" in the Hungarian royal charters.[33][32] seal of Konstantin Asen. Inscription in Bulgarian: "+Konstantin, in Christ the God, a faithful tsar and autocrat of the Bulgarians, Asen." I of Anjou and Baldwin II, the dispossessed Latin Emperor of Constantinople, made an alliance against the Byzantine Empire in 1267.[34] To prevent Bulgaria from joining the anti-Byzantine coalition, Michael VIII offered his niece, Maria Palaiologina Kantakouzene, to the widowed Konstantin in 1268.[28] The emperor also pledged that he would return Mesembria and Anchialos to Bulgaria as her dowry if she gave birth to a son.[28][35] married Maria, but Michael VIII broke his promise and did not renounce the two towns after the birth of Konstantin and Maria's son, Michael.[35] Outraged by the emperor's betrayal, Konstantin sent envoys to Charles to Naples in September 1271.[35] The negotiations continued during the following years, showing that Konstantin was willing to support Charles against the Byzantines.[35] Konstantin broke into Thrace in 1271 or 1272, but Michael VIII persuaded Nogai, the dominant figure in the westernmost territory of the Golden Horde, to invade Bulgaria.[28][36] The Tatars plundered the country, forcing Konstantin to return and abandon his claim to the two towns.[28][36] Nogai set up his capital in Isaccea near the Danube Delta, thus he could easily attack Bulgaria.[36] Konstantin had been seriously injured after a riding accident and could not move without assistance, because he was paralyzed from the waist down.[37][38] ambitious wife took control of the government.[39] After Michael VIII's envoys accepted Pope Gregory X's proposal to a church union at the Second Council of Lyon in summer 1274, she became one of the leading opponents of the union.[39][38] She even tried to persuade Baibars, the Mamluk sultan of Egypt, to attack the Byzantine Empire.[40] was also determined to secure the throne to her son.[41] Jacob Svetoslav, however, had a strong claim to succeed Konstantin, because his wife was a granddaughter of Ivan Asen II of Bulgaria.[41] first adopted Jacob Svetoslav to persuade him to acknowledge her son's right to the throne, but later she had him poisoned.[38] He also had other noblemen captured or executed, which made Konstantin's rule unpopular.[41] The paralyzed Konstantin could not prevent Nogai's Tatars from making regular plundering raids against Bulgaria.[42] The local inhabitants of the regions which were most exposed to the Tatar raids had to organize the defense without the monarch's support.[42] to the expensive and unsuccessful wars, repeated Mongol raids, and economic instability (Constantine was the first Bulgarian ruler to mint his own coins on a vast scale), the government was faced with a revolt in The social and economic aspects of this movement have been stressed by Marxist historians,[44] but its true character is elusive. What is clear is that a swineherd or swine-owner named Ivaylo became a leader of the discontented and attracted many (presumably mostly lower-class)[45] followers, asserting his control over a significant area.[46] Constantine set out against Ivaylo with his guard, but was decisively defeated and slain in his chariot.[47][48]

Bulgaria, 1277-1279, Emperor, Ivaylo, pig farmer, peasant uprising
Bulgarian Emperor, 1277-1279, Ivaylo of Bulgaria; also spelled Ivailo, (Bulgarian: Ð˜Ð²Ð°Ð¹Ð»Ð¾), nicknamed Bardokva ("radish" or "lettuce" in Bulgarian) or Lakhanas (Î›Î±Ï‡Î±Î½á¾¶Ï‚, "cabbage") in Greek, was a rebel leader and tsar of Bulgaria.[1] 1277, he spearheaded a peasant uprising and forced the nobles to accept him as emperor. He reigned as emperor from 1278 to 1279, scoring victories against the Byzantines and the Mongols, but beset by foreign and domestic enemies, which included the Bulgarian nobility, he was forced into exile among the Mongols, where he presented himself as a dethroned vassal. --------------------------The Mongols then killed him in 1280 as an enemy of the Byzantine emperor Michael VIII Palaeologus.[2] career as a monarch has been used as an example of early, anti-feudal class warfare by Marxist historians and as translated through folk songs, traditions and legends served as inspiration to Bulgarian guerrilla (hajduk) freedom fighters during the Ottoman period of Bulgarian history.[3] Venerable Cosmas of the Zographou Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on September 22;

Bulgaria, 1279-1280, Emperor, Ivan Asen III, set up by Michael VIII, Mongol allies, accepted by Tarnovo nobility, coward
Bulgarian Emperor, 1279-1280, Ivan Asen III of Bulgaria; Asen III (Bulgarian: Ð˜Ð²Ð°Ð½ ÐÑÐµÐ½ III, also Ð™Ð¾Ð°Ð½ ÐÑÐµÐ½ III, Ioan Asen III, and in English John Asen III), ruled as tsar of Bulgaria 1279–1280. Ivan Asen III was the son of Mitso Asen of Bulgaria and Maria of Bulgaria, a daughter of Ivan Asen II of Bulgaria and Irene of Thessalonica. He was probably born in about 1259/60, and died in exile in 1303. the rapid success of Ivaylo of Bulgaria, the Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos summoned Ivan Asen to his court, granted him the title of despotÄ“s, and married him to his eldest daughter Irene Palaiologina in 1277 or 1278. VIII then sent several Byzantine armies to attempt to assert Ivan Asen III on the throne of Bulgaria. Although Ivailo defeated several of these attempts, he was blockaded for three months in DrÄƒstÄƒr (Silistra) by the Mongol allies of Michael VIII. In the interval a Byzantine force besieged the Bulgarian capital TÄƒrnovo and, hearing a rumor of Ivailo's death in battle, the local nobility surrendered and accepted Ivan Asen III as emperor in 1279. strengthen his position in Tarnovo, Ivan Asen III married his sister Maria (Kira Maria) to the Bulgaro-Cuman nobleman George Terter, but failed to assert himself throughout the country. Ivailo reappeared before the walls of the capital and defeated two Byzantine attempts to relieve Ivan Asen III. Despairing of success, Ivan Asen III and Irene Palaiologina secretly fled Tarnovo with choice treasures from the palace treasury, including pieces captured from defeated Byzantine Emperors in former victories. Reaching Mesembria (NesebÄƒr), the imperial couple sailed for Constantinople, where the enraged Michael VIII refused to receive them for days for their cowardice. 1280 or 1281 Ivan Asen III traveled to the Golden Horde, competing with Ivailo in a bid to win support for restoration in Bulgaria. The Mongol chieftain Nogai Khan eventually had Ivailo murdered, but failed to restore Ivan Asen III in Bulgaria. The latter returned to his family possessions in the Troad, and died in 1303. Venerable Cosmas of the Zographou Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on September 22;

Bulgaria, 1280-1292, Emperor, George I, continuation of decline
Bulgarian Emperor, 1280-1292, George I of Bulgaria; Terter I (Bulgarian: Ð“ÐµÐ¾Ñ€Ð³Ð¸ Ð¢ÐµÑ€Ñ‚ÐµÑ€ I), of the Terter dynasty ruled as tsar of Bulgaria 1280–1292. The date of his birth is unknown, and he died in 1308/1309. Second Empire. Georgi Terter I, 1280–1292. GroÅ¡ (Silver, 21 mm, 1.45 g, 6 h), Imitating a grosso of Giovanni Dandolo (1280-1289), uncertain mint. IC XC Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing. Rev. S M VENETI D DÎ›NDVL Dux and St. Mark standing facing, holding banner of Venice between them. Raduchev & Zhekov Type 1.17.1. Youroukova & Penchev 160. reign of George Terter I represents a continuation of Bulgaria's precipitous decline during the second half of the 13th century. George Terter I managed to maintain himself on the throne for more than a decade (unlike his two immediate predecessors), he appears to have failed to assert himself against the centrifugal forces even in his own capital. This severely limited any possibility of engaging in grand-scale international politics or even standing up to foreign aggression and Mongol raids. the chaotic years preceding George Terter I's accession Bulgaria had lost all of Thrace to the Byzantine Empire, and under his reign its remaining possessions in Macedonia were divided between the Serbians and the Byzantines in 1282–1284. Venerable Cosmas of the Zographou Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on September 22;

Bulgaria, 1280-1346, Saint Gregory of Sinai, Hesychast, Writer
Bulgaria, 1280-1346, Saint Gregory of Sinai; Gregory of Sinai (1260s – November 27, 1346) was instrumental in the emergence of "technical" (Athonite) Hesychasm on Athos in the early 14th century. in Smyrna, he was captured by Seljuk Turks as a young man, he was eventually ransomed to Cyprus and became a monk at Saint Catherine's Monastery. Later, he moved to Crete, where he learned the practices of Hesychasm from a monk named Arsenios, in 1310 to Athos, where he remained until 1335. Increasing Muslim raids on Athos pushed Gregory and some disciples into the Bulgarian Empire, where he would find protection under Bulgarian Emperor Ivan Alexander and where he founded a monastery near Paroria, Strandzha mountains in south east Bulgaria. Philokalia includes five works in Greek by Gregory, Commandments and Doctrines, Warnings and Promises; on Thoughts, Passions and Virtues, and also on Stillness and Prayer: 137 Texts Texts the Signs of Grace and Delusion, Written for the Confessor Longinos: Ten Texts Stillness: Fifteen Texts Prayer: Seven Texts Strandzha Mountains; St. Theodosius the Bulgarian, with his disciple Romanos, Commemorated on February 17;

Bulgaria, 1292-1298, Emperor, Smilets, wishes of Nogai Khan, Mongol overlordship, but raids continued
Bulgarian Emperor, 1292-1298, Smilets of Bulgaria; (Bulgarian: Ð¡Ð¼Ð¸Ð»ÐµÑ†) reigned as tsar of Bulgaria from 1292 to 1298. The date of his birth is unknown. Smilec is credited with being descended "from the noblest family of the Bulgarians", his antecedents are completely unknown. Judging by the landholdings of his brothers Radoslav and Vojsil, the family held extensive lands between the Balkan mountains and Sredna Gora. ascending the throne replacing George Terter I in 1292, Smilec had married an unnamed Byzantine princess, the daughter of the sebastokratÅr Constantine Palaiologos, a half-brother of Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos. from the information that Smilec became emperor of Bulgaria according to the wishes of Nogai Khan, we know nothing of the circumstances of Smilec's accession. He was crowned by Patriarch Joachim III. Joachim III was executed for treason in 1300 by emperor Theodore Svetoslav, George Terter I's son, and historian John Van Antwerp Fine Jr. theorizes that the alleged treachery might be linked to the obscure period when Smilets overthrew George Terter I.[1] reign of Smilec has been considered the height of Mongol overlordship in Bulgaria. Nevertheless, Mongol raids may have continued, as in 1297 and 1298. these raids pillaged parts of Thrace (then entirely in Byzantine hands), perhaps Bulgaria was not one of their objectives. In fact, in spite of the usually pro-Byzantine policy of Nogai, Smilec was quickly involved in an unsuccessful war against the Byzantine Empire at the beginning of his reign. 1296/1297 Smilec married his daughter Theodora to the future Serbian King Stefan UroÅ¡ III DeÄanski, and this union produced the Serbian king and later emperor Stefan UroÅ¡ IV DuÅ¡an. 1298 Smilec disappears from the pages of history, apparently after the beginning of Chaka's invasion. He may have been killed by Chaka or died of natural causes while the enemy advanced against him. Smilec was briefly succeeded by his young son Ivan II. Point in Antarctica is named after Smilets of Bulgaria. Venerable Cosmas of the Zographou Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on September 22;

Bulgaria, 1298-1299, Emperor, Ivan II, regent mother, Serbian alliance attempt, then exile
Bulgarian Emperor, 1298-1299, Ivan II of Bulgaria; II (Bulgarian: Ð˜Ð²Ð°Ð½ II, or Ð™Ð¾Ð°Ð½ II, Ioan II, also styled inconsistently Ivan IV or Ioan IV), reigned as tsar of Bulgaria from 1298 to 1299. The date of his birth is unknown, but probably not much earlier than c. 1290. He died as a monk in exile before 1330. II succeeded his father Smilets as emperor in TÄƒrnovo in 1298. The new ruler was a child, and the government was in the hands of his mother, the unnamed daughter of sebastocrator Constantine Palaiologos and niece of Michael VIII Palaiologos called simply "Smiltsena" ("wife of Smilets"). widowed empress apparently defeated Smilets' brothers Radoslav and Voysil (Vojsil), who sought refuge in the Byzantine Empire and entered into Byzantine service. meet this threat and the invasion of the Mongol prince Chaka, Ivan II's mother sought an alliance with Aldimir (Eltimir), the brother of the former ruler George Terter I. Aldimir was accordingly married to Smilets' daughter Marina (Marija) and, if this had not happened earlier, was given the title of despotÄ“s and invested with an extensive landholding around KrÄƒn. 1299 the Bulgarian government attempted unsuccessfully to make an alliance with Serbian King Stefan Milutin to the exclusion of the latter's projected alignment with the Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos. regents of Ivan II were unable to strengthen their position, and abandoned TÄƒrnovo to Chaka, who installed himself as emperor in 1299. II and his retinue settled in the possessions of Aldimir, where they may have remained even after the accession of Aldimir's nephew Theodore Svetoslav to the throne in 1300. In 1305 Ivan II's mother was negotiating with the Byzantine government in Constantinople on behalf of either Aldimir or her son, but with Aldimir's subjugation by Theodore Svetoslav in the same year, the family disappears into obscurity. II spent the remainder of his life as an exile in Byzantium, under the name IÅannÄ“s KomnÄ“nos Doukas Angelos Branas Palaiologos, and shortly before his death he became a monk under the name Joasaph. He died before 1330. Venerable Cosmas of the Zographou Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on September 22;

Bulgaria, 1299-1300, Emperor, Chaka, son of the Mongol leader Nogai Khan, overlord for b-in-law Theodore Svetoslav
Bulgarian Emperor, 1299-1300, Chaka of Bulgaria; (Bulgarian: Ð§Ð°ÐºÐ°) reigned as tsar of Bulgaria from 1299 to 1300. The date of his birth is unknown. was the son of the Mongol leader Nogai Khan by a wife named Alaka. Sometime after 1285 Chaka married a daughter of George Terter I of Bulgaria, named Elena. In the late 1290s, Chaka supported his father Nogai in a war against the legitimate khan of the Golden Horde Toqta, but Toqta was victorious and defeated and killed Nogai in 1299. about the same time Chaka had led his supporters into Bulgaria, intimidated the regency for Ivan II into fleeing the capital, and imposed himself as ruler in TÄƒrnovo in 1299. It is not completely certain whether he reigned as Emperor of Bulgaria or simply acted as the overlord of his brother-in-law Theodore Svetoslav. He is accepted as a ruler of Bulgaria by Bulgarian historiography. did not long enjoy his new position of power, as the armies of Toqta followed him into Bulgaria and besieged TÄƒrnovo. Theodore Svetoslav, who had been instrumental in assisting Chaka's seizure of power, organized a plot in which Chaka was deposed and strangled in prison in 1300. His head was sent to Toqta, which in turn secured Theodore Svetoslav's position as the new emperor of Bulgaria. It seems that Theodore Svetoslav's cooperation contributed to the withdrawal of Mongol interference in Bulgaria. Venerable Gregory of Sinai, Mt. Athos, Commemorated on August 8; Venerable Cosmas of the Zographou Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on September 22;

Bulgaria, 1300-1362, 14th Century Folder, 2nd Bulgarian Empire Ends

Bulgaria, 1301-1322, Tsar, Theodor Svetoslav, wise ruler, stability, prosperity, killed traitors r for Mongols
Bulgarian Emperor, 1300-1322, Theodor Svetoslav; Svetoslav (Bulgarian: Ð¢Ð¾Ð´Ð¾Ñ€ Ð¡Ð²ÐµÑ‚Ð¾ÑÐ»Ð°Ð², Todor Svetoslav and also Ð¢ÐµÐ¾Ð´Ð¾Ñ€ Ð¡Ð²ÐµÑ‚Ð¾ÑÐ»Ð°Ð², Teodor Svetoslav) ruled as emperor (tsar) of Bulgaria from 1300 to 1322. The date of his birth is unknown. was a wise and capable ruler who brought stability and relative prosperity to the Bulgarian Empire after two decades of constant Mongol intervention in the internal issues of the Empire. Theodore Svetoslav's reign began with the return of Southern Bessarabia to Bulgaria and a few years later he managed to defeat the Byzantines and retake most of northern Thrace occupied by them during the crisis. After 1307 he led a peaceful policy towards all neighbours, which resulted in expanded trade and economy. from his external and economic successes, Theodore Svetoslav dealt with the separatists among the nobility including his uncle. He persecuted the traitors who he thought were responsible for the Mongol interference and even the Patriarch, Joachim III, was executed. life[edit] Svetoslav was the son of George Terter I by Maria. Soon after the accession of Ivan Asen III in 1279 his father divorced his mother in order to marry the sister of the new emperor. Maria and Theodore Svetoslav were sent to the Byzantine Empire as hostages, and settled in Nicaea. accession of George Terter I to the throne in 1280 did not alter matters, but in 1281 Theodore Svetoslav was betrothed (in absentia) to a daughter of the sebastokratÅr John I Doukas of Thessaly, as part of a diplomatic alliance. The young bride-to-be arrived in TÄƒrnovo, but never met her intended husband. 1284 George Terter I concluded a new treaty with Andronikos II Palaiologos, and retrieved his first wife, while Theodore Svetoslav at first remained a hostage. The same treaty required the breaking off of the alliance with Thessaly and Theodore Svetoslav's intended bride was also sent to Byzantium. It was only in 1285 that the Patriarch of Bulgaria Joakim III arrived in Constantinople and arranged for the release of Theodore Svetoslav, who was now supposed to marry a daughter of the high court official John Synadenos. We have no information whether this marriage materialized. activities[edit] Bulgaria Theodore Svetoslav was associated as co-emperor by his father, who issued coins representing them side by side. Nevertheless, after particularly devastating Mongol raids, George Terter I dispatched his son as hostage to Nogai Khan, the effective leader of the Mongol Golden Horde in about 1289. Perhaps in connection with the same events, Theodore Svetoslav's unnamed sister married Nogai's son Chaka. During part of his exile, Theodore Svetoslav became impoverished and sought to improve his fortunes by marrying the rich Euphrosyne, the god-daughter of Nogai's wife Euphrosyne Palaiologina, who was herself an illegitimate daughter of Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos. Svetoslav left obscurity in 1298 or 1299, when he accompanied his brother-in-law Chaka in an invasion of Bulgaria. The regency for Ivan II fled TÄƒrnovo in 1299, and Theodore Svetoslav helped convince the Bulgarian nobility to accept Chaka as ruler. However, the armies of the khan of the Golden Horde Toqta entered Bulgaria in pursuit of his enemy Chaka, and Theodore Svetoslav promptly organized a plot, deposing Chaka and having him strangled in prison in 1300. Theodore Svetoslav now became emperor of Bulgaria and sent Chaka's severed head as a present to Toqta, who withdrew his armies from the country. of Bulgaria[edit] Bulgarian Empire under Theodore Svetoslav campaign of Theodore Svetoslav (1303-1304) reign of Theodore Svetoslav is connected with the internal stabilization and pacification of the country, the end of Mongol overlordship, the reassertion of relatively effective central control over outlying provinces, and the recovery of portions of Thrace lost to the Byzantine Empire since the wars against Ivaylo of Bulgaria. Svetoslav pursued a ruthless course of action, punishing all who stood in his way, including his former benefactor, Patriarch Joachim III, who was accused of treason and executed. In the face of the new emperor's brutality, some noble factions sought to replace him with other claimants to the throne, backed by Andronikos II. A new claimant appeared in the person of the sebastokratÅr Radoslav Voïsil or Vojsil, from Sredna Gora, a brother of the former emperor Smilets, who was defeated, and captured by Theodore Svetoslav's uncle, the despotÄ“s Aldimir (Eltimir), at KrÄƒn in about 1301. Another pretender was the former emperor Michael Asen II, who unsuccessfully tried to advance into Bulgaria with a Byzantine army in about 1302. Theodore Svetoslav exchanged thirteen high-ranking Byzantine officers captured on Radoslav's defeat for his father George Terter I, whom he settled in a life of luxury in an unidentified city. a consequence of his victories, Theodore Svetoslav felt secure enough to move on to the offensive by 1303 and captured the fortresses of northeastern Thrace, including Mesembria (NesebÄƒr), Anchialos (Pomorie), Sozopolis (Sozopol), and Agathopolis (Ahtopol) in 1304. The Byzantine counterattack failed at the battle of Skafida near Poros (Burgas), where the Co-emperor Michael IX Palaiologos was turned to flight. Nevertheless, the war continued, with Michael IX and Theodore Svetoslav taking turns pillaging each other's lands. In the following 1305 Theodore Svetoslav's uncle Aldimir appears to have entered into negotiations with the Byzantines, and Theodore Svetoslav annexed his uncle's lands. In 1306 Theodore Svetoslav gained the services of the rebellious Alan mercenaries to the Byzantines, whom he settled in Bulgaria, and made unsuccessful overtures to the mercenaries of the Catalan Company, who had also rebelled against their Byzantine employers. The war ended with a peace treaty in 1307, cemented with a marriage between the widowed Theodore Svetoslav and Theodora, a daughter of the Co-emperor Michael IX Palaiologos. copper coin of Theodore Svetoslav. the end of his life Theodore Svetoslav remained at peace with his neighbors. His reassertion of central control over outlying provinces such as Vidin was probably peaceful, and the sparsely documented recovery of the banate of Severin from the Kingdom of Hungary must have been achieved during the dynastic struggles in that country. In 1318 the Serbian King Stefan UroÅ¡ II Milutin visited TÄƒrnovo, in spite of his earlier alliance with Andronikos II and his divorce from Theodore Svetoslav's sister Anna. only possible sign of new hostilities are two Mongol raids into Byzantine Thrace in 1320 and 1321, but these were probably executed with Bulgarian cooperation and are connected with the beginning of the civil war between Andronikos II Palaiologos and his grandson Andronikos III Palaiologos. In fact, Theodore Svetoslav sent military support to his brother-in-law Andronikos III, allegedly hoping to ensnare and capture his ally. a surprisingly successful reign (given the misadventures of his youth), Theodore Svetoslav died in early 1322, and was succeeded by his son George Terter II. Venerable Cosmas of the Zographou Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on September 22;

Bulgaria, 1310-1362, Theodosius tBulgarian, under Gregory oSiani, founded Theodosiev m, defended against heresies, translated
Bulgaria, 1310-1362, Theodosius tBulgarian, Trnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2), fViddino (Vidin?), tTrnovo, Bulgarian Capital, searching for guide, monastery tMonastery, finally concealed M oGregory, because Gregory a guide contemplative life, taught Before death lay in Hades, who doen't recognize himself a sinner, and beasts more pure, is more wicked than demons, having become their slave, that monastery robbed often, T sent to emperor Alexander requesting m defense, A provided money to surround m with walls&towers, land, cattle, Romanus asked T join trip from Capital Trovono to see see his mo, tGregory oSinai, R became T's disciple, T refused to succeed G, tSolitary struggles wR, founded Theodosiev M on hill near Trnovo, T famous defender against heresies, Bogomils, Judaizers, Messalians, their pernicious teaching, Patriarch and Tsar helped him greatly, plus T translated Greek tSlavonic, 1360 became greviously ill, went tConstantinople to see Callistus, Romanus took over m; Trnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2); St Theodosius the Bulgarian, with his disciple Romanos, Commemorated February 17 ; Theodosius the Bulgarian and his disciple Romanus. Theodosius began his exploit in the city of Viddino, at the Nikolaev monastery. the death of the igumen Job he settled near Trnovo, then the capital city of Bulgaria, at the Holy Mountain monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos in search of a spiritual guide. left the Holy Mountain monastery and for a long time went from monastery to monastery. he learned about the desert monastery called “Concealed” where in pursuit of asceticism Saint Gregory of Sinai (August 8) had moved from Athos. Theodosius found in him an experienced guide of the contemplative life. Gregory taught, “Before death we lay in Hades; does not recognize sincerely that he is a sinner, and that the beasts and cattle are more pure, is more wicked than the demons, having become their obedient slave.” wilderness monastery of Saint Gregory of Sinai suffered often from robbers. abbot sent Saint Theodosius to the emperor Alexander with a request to defend the monastery. pious Bulgarian Tsar, at the request of the ascetic, provided him with the means to surround the monastery with strong walls with towers, and made the monastery secure with land and cattle. his final journey to Trnovo on an errand for the abbot to the Tsar, a nobleman asked Saint Theodosius to take him along to the monastery. holy ascetic brought him to Saint Gregory of Sinai. was Romanus, who became the sincere and beloved disciple of Saint Theodosius. the death of Saint Gregory of Sinai (November 27, 1347), Saint Theodosius refused to become head of the monastery, he left the monastery with his disciple Romanus for solitary struggles. founded a monastery on a hill near Trnovo, afterwards called Theodosiev. Theodosius was famous as a zealous defender of Orthodoxy against many heresies, the Bogomils, Judaizers and Messalians. false teachings were especially pernicious. Patriarch and the Tsar rendered great help to Saint Theodosius in the struggle with the heretics. addition to this, the holy ascetic translated Greek writings into Slavonic. 1360, he became grievously ill. to see his friend Saint Callistus once more, he went to him at Constantinople, the direction of the monastery to his disciple Romanus. Theodosius died at Constantinople on February 17, 1362. disciple Saint Romanus became head of the monastery.

Bulgaria, 1322-1323, Tsar, George II, invaded Byzantine Thrace, conquered Philippopolis and Adrianople, then d by Andronikos III
Bulgarian Emperor, 1322-1323, George II of Bulgaria; Terter II reigned as tsar of Bulgaria between 1322 and 1323. The exact date of his birth is unknown, but he was born not long before 1307. Terter II was the son of Theodore Svetoslav and Euphrosyne, and was named after his paternal grandfather George Terter I. is possible that he was associated as co-emperor by his father in 1321, but the sources are unclear. his father's death in 1322, he became actively involved in the civil war in the Byzantine Empire, in which the throne was being contested between Andronikos II Palaiologos and his grandson Andronikos III Palaiologos. advantage of the situation, George Terter II invaded Byzantine Thrace and, encountering little, if any, resistance, conquered the major city of Philippopolis (Plovdiv) and part of the surrounding area in 1322. Bulgarian garrison was installed under the command of a general named Ivan the Russian, and a court scribe praised George Terter II as a "possessor of the Bulgarian and the Greek sceptre". new campaign later the same year brought the subjugation of several fortresses around Adrianople, but the Bulgarians were now turned back and defeated by Andronikos III. Byzantine emperor was preparing for an invasion of Bulgaria, when he heard the news that George Terter II had died, apparently of natural causes. Terter II died as a young man and did not have any known offspring. He was succeeded by his distant cousin Michael Asen III, now commonly called Michael Shishman. Venerable Cosmas of the Zographou Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on September 22;

Bulgaria, 1323-1330, Tsar, Michael Shishman, aggressive against Byzantines & Serbia, but lost&died at Velbazhd
Bulgarian Emperor, 1323-1330, Michael Shishman of Bulgaria; Asen III,[a] ruled as tsar of Bulgaria from 1323 to 1330. The exact year of his birth is unknown but it was between 1280 and 1292. was the founder of the last ruling dynasty of the Second Bulgarian Empire, the Shishman dynasty. he was crowned, however, Michael used the name Asen to emphasize his connection with the Asen dynasty, the first one to rule over the Second Empire. energetic and ambitious ruler, Michael Shishman led an aggressive but opportunistic and inconsistent foreign policy against the Byzantine Empire and the Kingdom of Serbia, which ended in the disastrous battle of Velbazhd which claimed his own life. was the last medieval Bulgarian ruler who aimed at military and political hegemony of the Bulgarian Empire over the Balkans and the last one who attempted to seize Constantinople. was succeeded by his son Ivan Stephen and later by his nephew Ivan Alexander, who reversed his policy by forming an alliance with Serbia.[1] Venerable Cosmas of the Zographou Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on September 22;

Bulgaria, 1325-1375, Romilus oRavenica, Bulgarian, Hesychast, sought elder, then sought solitude, but always found, heals now
Serbia, 1325-1375, Romilus oRavenica monastery, Serbia (Srem Plain, near Danube River 8), Hesychast, Gregory oSinai's disciple, born Vidn, Bulgaria, Greek father, Bulgarian mother, disdained child games, admired fLearning, piety bFriends, teachers, parents wanted marry him tWoman but he longed for monastic life, fled tHodegetria m fForced marriage, tonsured as Romanus, from beginning known as virtuous humble monk, longed to dwell wGregory aPanoria wilderness, more remote far from worldly distractions, even knowing this Abbot reluctant, longing stronger each day, asked again, Abbot grieved but feared God's will, so blessed departure, gave provisions, tParoria wHilarion, R explained tGregory who they were and why, to become his disciples, assigned obediences, Hilarion weaker-lighter duties, R strong-heavier labors-carry wood stones fMountain, water fRiver, kitchen&bakery help, When he tended sick they seemed improve, other monks called him- Romanus tGood- for his cheerful obedience, piety, R received spiritual instruction fG, Not wanting without being subject, When G died R found another instructor, Hilarion's, all three robbed so went back to Zagora at Mogrin near Trnovo, R left the elder for remote place for some reason, Elder died, R returned wRemorse that deserted Elder, R then placed himself under his elder Hilarion, since R surpassed in virture H at first said no, then seeing humility said yes, both back to Paroria because Robbers subdued by Bulgarian Tsar Ivan Alexandar, for greater solitude, Later Romanus Great Schema Romilus, Moslem incursions, back tZagora, hut remote place, other monks there resented Romilus, so tMt Athos, monks came disturbed quietude, fleeing human glory fPlace tPlace, tMt Melana near Karyes, monks gathered, consoled instructed fTheir profit- taught wage war against passions, &deamons who seek soul destruction - taught love God & Neighbor seeking good things which eye not seen, ear not heard, - also corrected other elders and their disciples, not question elder's orders, obey like Christ obeyed Father, warned refusing authority easily led bDevil, - urged Elders be gentle, fSolitude moved North end Mt Athos t Solitude Cell, but they flocked to him as before, Moslem Turks killed Serbian Despot John Ugljela, Battle oMarica, 1371, so they attacked Mt Athos, so many monks fled, Romilus t obscure Valona, Albania, but no solitude, many monks&laymen came, afflicted wIgnorance, enslaved tPassions, no shepherd, he led many to the light oChrist, left V with his disciples t Ravenica, Serbia, settled near monastery, died 1375, grave emitted ineffable fragrance, after death he performed great miracles, casting demons, healing diseases&sufferings, likewise through his prayers may we obtain forgiveness and mercy; Ravenica monestary; Venerable Romilus of Ravenica, Commemorated January 16 ; Romilus the Hesychast was the disciple of Saint Gregory of Sinai (August 8). was born in Vidin, Bulgaria of a Greek father and a Bulgarian mother. a child, he possessed a maturity beyond his years, and disdained childish games and pursuits. friends, and even his teacher, admired him for his learning and piety. parents wanted to marry him to a woman, he longed for the monastic life. he learned that they planned to force him into marriage, he fled to the Hodēgḗtria Monastery at Trnovo. abbot accepted him and tonsured him with the name Romanus. the beginning of his life as a monk, Romanus was known for his virtue and for his humility. monk Romanus, hearing of the monastery established by Saint Gregory of Sinai in the wilderness of Paroria, longed to dwell there. the abbot realized that the young man wished to live in a more remote area far from worldly distractions, he was reluctant to let him go. desire of Romanus to go to Paroria grew stronger day by day. spoke to the abbot again, and the Elder was grieved at the thought of losing the exemplary and well-loved Romanus. realized, however, that keeping Romanus there might not be according to the will of God. he blessed Romanus to depart, and gave him provisions for his journey. traveled to Paroria with another monk named Hilarion and explained to Saint Gregory who they were and that they had come to be his disciples. Gregory received them and assigned them to their obediences in the monastery. Hilarion was weaker, he was given lighter duties. who was strong, received heavier labors. would carry wood from the mountain, or sometimes stones. He also carried water from the river, and helped in the kitchen and in the bakery. even tended the sick, who seemed to improve under his care. Seeing his humility, his cheerful obedience, and his piety, the other monks called him “Romanus the Good.” received instruction in the spiritual life from Saint Gregory, who trained him to be a great ascetic. Saint Gregory fell asleep in the Lord, Romanus grieved for him day and night. did not wish to remain in that place without being subject to an Elder. found another instructor who had already accepted Romanus’s fellow-traveler Hilarion as a disciple. subjected himself to this Elder, obeying him as he had obeyed Saint Gregory. the three monks were assailed by robbers who deprived them of the necessities of life, they left Paroria and went back to Zagora. settled at a place called Mogrin, about one day’s journey from Trnovo. some reason, Romanus left the Elder to dwell in a remote place by himself. of the Elder’s death, he returned and fell upon his grave with tears, filled with regret that he had deserted his instructor. he fell at Hilarion’s feet and said, “Since I disobeyed the Elder’s order and left this place, I place myself under you from this day forward.” knowing that Romanus surpassed him in virtue, would not agree to this. insisted saying, “Unless you accept me under your authority, I shall not get up from the ground.” Seeing his great humility, Hilarion finally agreed to accept Romanus. that the robbers had been subdued by Tsar Ivan Alexander of Bulgaria, Romanus and Hilarion decided to go back to Paroria, where they could live in solitude and contemplation. Romanus was tonsured into the Great Schema with the name Romilus. incursions of the Moslems forced Romilus to return yet again to Zagora, he built a hut in a remote place. monks in the area, through envy or jealousy, resented Romilus, he traveled to Mt. Athos. many monks came to him for spiritual counsel, and they disturbed his quietude. human glory, he went from place to place until he came to Mt. Melana near Karyes. there, monks gathered around him, and he was able to console and instruct them for their profit. taught them to wage war against the passions, and against the demons who seek the destruction of the soul. also taught them to love God and their neighbor, seeking the good things which eye has not seen, nor ear heard (I Cor. 2:9). only did he correct his own disciples, but sometimes an Elder would send his disciples to Saint Romilus for correction. urged them not to question or contradict their Elder’s orders, but to obey him just as Christ obeyed the will of the Father (John 6:38). warned them that those who refuse to submit to authority are easily led astray by the Enemy. also urged the Elders to be gentle with their disciples, and to avoid harsh treatment. again, the number of monks who sought spiritual conversation with him hindered his own spiritual struggles and prayer. he moved to the northern part of Mt. Athos and built a cell where he could live in solitude. more he fled worldly glory, however, the more this glory found him. When the location of his cell became known, they flocked to him just as before. Serbian despot John Ugljela was killed by the Turks at the Battle of Marica on September 26, 1371. allowed the Moslems to attack Mt. Athos, so many of the monks (including Saint Romilus) fled to other places. Romilus went to Valona in Albania. thought that in this obscure place he would find solitude, but he was mistaken. monks and laymen came to him, afflicted with ignorance, enslaved to base passions, with no shepherd to guide them. Through his words and his example, he led many from darkness into the light of Christ. Romilus left Valona with his disciples and moved to Ravenica in Serbia, where there was a monastery dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos. settled near this place with his disciples. 1375, he surrendered his soul to God and went to the heavenly Kingdom. is said that his grave emitted an ineffable fragrance. after his death, Saint Romilus performed great miracles, casting out demons, and healing all sorts of diseases and suffering. his holy prayers, may we obtain the forgiveness of our sins and great mercy from Christ our God, to Whom is due all glory, honor and worship, together with His unoriginate Father, and the Most Holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Bulgaria, 1330-1331, Tsar, Ivan Stephen, 8 mos, deposed in coup by Tarnovo nobles, died in Naples
Bulgarian Emperor, 1330-1331, Ivan Stephen of Bulgaria; Stefan (c. 1300/1301-1373 (?)) ruled as emperor (tsar) of Bulgaria for eight months from 1330 to 1331. was the eldest son of emperor Michael III Shishman and Anna Neda of Serbia, a daughter of King Stefan Uroš II Milutin of Serbia.[1][2] Stephen was a descendant of the Terter dynasty, the Asen dynasty and the Shishman dynasty. his father's ascension to the throne in 1323 Ivan Stefan was associated as co-emperor. Michael III Shishman divorced Anna Neda to marry Theodora Palaiologina, the daughter of Byzantine emperor Michael IX Palaiologos, in 1324, Ivan Stefan was exiled along with his mother and brother in a monastery.[3] the summer of 1330 he became emperor of Bulgaria with the help of his uncle Stephen Decanski. he was deposed in a coup d'état by the Tarnovo nobility, he fled along with Anna Neda in the domains of his father's brother Belaur in Nis and later to Dubrovnik. He was later expelled from there by Stephen Dusan under the pressure of Ivan Alexander. Ivan Stefan probably died in Naples.

Bulgaria, 1331-1371, Tsar, Ivan Alexander, internal external threats, religious renaissamce, divided country two sons
Bulgaria, 1331-1371, Bulgarian Emperor, Tsar Ivan Alexander; Alexander,[2] also sometimes Anglicized as John Alexander,[3] ruled as Emperor (Tsar) of Bulgaria from 1331 to 1371,[4] the Second Bulgarian Empire. The date of his birth is unknown. He died on 17 February 1371. long reign of Ivan Alexander is considered a transitional period in Bulgarian medieval history. Alexander began his rule by dealing with internal problems and external threats from Bulgaria's neighbours, the Byzantine Empire and Serbia, as well as leading his empire into a period of economic recovery and cultural and religious renaissance.[5] the emperor was later unable to cope with the mounting incursions of Ottoman forces, Hungarian invasions from the northwest and the Black Death.[4] an ill-fated attempt to combat these problems, he divided the country between his two sons,[6][7] forcing it to face the imminent Ottoman conquest weakened and divided.[4][7] Venerable Romilus of Ravenica, Commemorated on January 16 ;

Bulgaria, 1346-1353, Black Death in Europe
Bulgaria, 1346-1353, Black Death in Europe ;

Bulgaria, 1351-1430, Joanikije of Devic in Kosovo, wonderworker, solitude silence fasting unceasing prayer
Serbia, 1351-1430, Joanikije of Devic in Kosovo, f Zeta, tChrna Reka (Black River), nIbar River, solitude silence fasting unceasing prayer, people gathered, fled to Drnica & forest of Devic, healed prince's daughter, money for Monastery, miracles after death; Venerable Joannicius of Devic, Commemorated on December 2; Ioannikios (Janićije) was a Serb from Zeta, near the Adriatic Sea. was the son of pious and God-fearing parents, and he lived during the reign of the last medieval Serbian ruler, Prince George Branković (1427-1458). his youth, Saint Ioannikios loved solitude, as an adolescent he left his parents and made his way to eastern Serbia, where he settled in a wooded area called Chrna Reka (Black River), a few miles from the Ibar River. found a narrow cave where, according to Tradition, Saint Peter of Koriša (June 5) had struggled during the XIII century. Ioannikios built a cell and lived there for many years in solitude, fasting, and unceasing prayer. time, people began coming to him from all over Serbia in order to hear his words, and to receive his blessing. Others were drawn to him because they wanted him to guide them in the monastic life. community grew around him, and they built a church near his cell. when people heard about the holiness of his life, he fled to Drnica and hid himself in the thick forest of Devič. again, the Saint lived in solitude, weeping, fasting, struggling with demons, and devoting himself to the unceasing Prayer of the Heart. day Prince George brought his terminally ill daughter to him, and the Saint healed her. Prince wanted to know what he could do to express his gratitude. Ioannikios asked him to built a monastery at Devič and dedicate it to the Entrance of the a Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple (November 21). a holy and God-pleasing life, Saint Ioannikios reposed on December 2, 1430, when he was almost one hundred years old. His grace-filled and wonderworking relics are kept at the monastery. After his death, many miracles have taken place there, and those who entreat him with faith are healed of their sicknesses and afflictions. this monastery there once lived a renowned and godly nun, Sister Euphemia, who is better known in the Kossovo region as Blessed Stoina. She built an Ispostnica (House of Silence) in honor of St. Ioannikios. She fell asleep in the Lord in the year 1895. Ioannikios still performs miracles, just as he did in his lifetime, five hundred years ago. A certain man from Hercegovina, whose name was Miloš wanted to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to venerate the holy places. Just as he was about to embark on his journey, Saint Ioannikios appeared to him in a dream and told him not to go to Jerusalem. "It would be better," the Saint explained, "if you went to Devič and cleaned my church, and put it in order, instead of going to Jerusalem." š followed the Saint's advice and went to the neglected Devič monastery, cleaned it up, restored it, and gave it new life. He became a monk and remained there until the end of his life. the First World War and the Austrian occupation, a Hungarian officer arrived at Devič with some soldiers. He made Igoumen Damaskene take him to the tomb of Saint Ioannikios, and asked him what was under the slab. "It is a holy place," the Igoumen replied. sort of holy place?" the officer asked. "You have some valuables hidden under there, don't you?" officer ordered the soldiers to break the slab with pick axes. As they were completing their task, the officer was stricken with pain in the middle of his body. He lay down on a bed and died before that evening. The terrified soldiers abandoned their work and fled from the monastery. Ioannikios is also commemorated on April 26, the uncovering of his holy relics. Devic Monastery in Kosovo; Devič Monastery (Serbian: Манастир Девич, romanized: Manastir Devič; Albanian: Manastiri i Deviçit) is a Serbian Orthodox abbey in Kosovo[a]. It was built in 1434 and is dedicated to St Joanikije of Devič. Devič was declared Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance in 1990, and it is protected by the Republic of Serbia.

Bulgaria, 1362-1919, Folder, Ottoman Bulgaria, The Turks

Bulgaria, 1362-1399, 14th Century Folder, Turks in Adrianople

Bulgaria, 1362-1919, Ottoman Caliphate, Turks, first based in Adrianople
Ottoman Caliphate, first based in Adrianople, 1362-1919 (The Turks);

Bulgaria, 1363-1389, Murad I, a Turk, c Adrianople, Balkans, made Serbia, Byzantium pay tribute, illiterate, d Lazar at Kosovo
, Ottoman Sultan, 1362-1389, Murad I; I (29 June 1326 - 15 June 1389) was the Ottoman Sultan from 1362 to 1389. He was a son of Orhan Gazi and Nilufer Hatun. Murad I came into the throne after his elder brother Suleyman Pasha's death. I conquered Adrianople, renamed it to Edirne,[2] and in 1363 made it the new capital of the Ottoman Sultanate.[3] Then he further expanded the Ottoman realm in Southern Europe by bringing most of the Balkans under Ottoman rule, and forced the princes of Serbia and Bulgaria as well as the East Roman emperor John V Palaiologos to pay him tribute.[2] Murad I administratively divided his sultanate into the two provinces of Anatolia (Asia Minor) and Rumelia (the Balkans). to the Ottoman sources, Murad I's titles includes Bey, Emir - a zam (Great Emir), Ghazi, Hudavendigar, Khan, Padishah, Sultan-selatin (Sultan of sultans), Melikul-muluk (Malik of maliks), while in Bulgarian and Serbian sources he was referred to as Tsar. In a Genoese document, he was referred to as dominus armiratorum Turchie (Master lord of Turks).[4] I was illiterate and could not even sign his own name. In 1353, Murad I signed a treaty by dipping his hand in ink and impressing it with his finger marks.[5] of the conquests of Murad I century miniature depicting Murad I fought against the powerful beylik of Karaman in Anatolia and against the Serbs, Albanians, Bulgarians and Hungarians in Europe. In particular, a Serb expedition to expel the Turks from Adrianople led by the Serbian brothers King Vukasin and Despot Ugljesia, was defeated on September 26, 1371, by Murad's capable second lieutenant Lala Sahin Pasa, the first governor (beylerbey) of Rumeli. In 1385, Sofia fell to the Ottomans. In 1386 Prince Lazar Hrebeljanovic defeated an Ottoman force at the Battle of Plocnik. The Ottoman army suffered heavy casualties, and was unable to capture Nis on the way back. of Kosovo[edit] of Sultan Murad on Kosovo field of Sultan Murad 1389, Murad's army defeated the Serbian Army and its allies under the leadership of Lazar at the Battle of Kosovo. There are different accounts from different sources about when and how Murad I was assassinated. The contemporary sources mainly noted that the battle took place and that both Prince Lazar and the Sultan lost their lives in the battle. The existing evidence of the additional stories and speculations as to how Murad I died were disseminated and recorded in the 15th century and later, decades after the actual event. One Western source states that during first hours of the battle, Murad I was assassinated by Serbian nobleman and knight MiloÅ¡ ObiliÄ‡ by knife.[6][7] Most Ottoman chroniclers[citation needed] (including Dimitrie Cantemir)[8] state that he was assassinated after the finish of the battle while going around the battlefield. His older son Bayezid, who was in charge of the left wing of the Ottoman forces, took charge after that. His other son, Yakub Bey, who was in charge of the other wing, was called to the Sultan's command center tent by Bayezid, but when Yakub Bey arrived he was strangled, leaving Bayezid as the sole claimant to the throne. a letter from the Florentine senate (written by Coluccio Salutati) to the King Tvrtko I of Bosnia, dated 20 October 1389, Murad I's (and Jakub Bey's) killing was described. A party of twelve Serbian lords slashed their way through the Ottoman lines defending Murad I. One of them, allegedly Milos Obilic, had managed to get through to the Sultan's tent and kill him with sword stabs to the throat and belly.[9][page needed] Murad's internal organs were buried in Kosovo field and remains to this day on a corner of the battlefield in a location called Meshed-i Hudavendigar which has gained a religious significance by the local Muslims. It has been vandalized between 1999–2006 and renovated recently. His other remains were carried to Bursa, his Anatolian capital city, and were buried in a tomb at the complex built in his name.[10] of sultanate[edit] established the sultanate by building up a society and government in the newly conquered city of Adrianople (Edirne in Turkish) and by expanding the realm in Europe, bringing most of the Balkans under Ottoman rule and forcing the Byzantine emperor to pay him tribute. It was Murad who established the former Osmanli tribe into an sultanate. He established the title of sultan in 1363 and the corps of the janissaries and the devÅŸirme recruiting system. He also organised the government of the Divan, the system of timars and timar-holders (timariots) and the military judge, the kazasker. He also established the two provinces of Anadolu (Anatolia) and Rumeli (Europe). was the son of Orhan and the Valide Hatun Nilüfer Hatun, daughter of the Lord of Yarhisar, who was of ethnic Greek descent.[11] St Theodosius the Bulgarian, with his disciple Romanos, Commemorated on February 17; Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on June 26;

Bulgaria, 1363-1453, Ottoman Empire, Edirne (Adrianople), Bulgaria (the Turks)
Ottoman Empire, Edirne, Bulgaria, 1363-1453 (the Turks); St Stephen of Serbia, "œthe blind one"Â, Commemorated on October 9; Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on June 26;

Bulgaria, 1371, Battle of Marica, victorious Turks greatly outnumbered by attacking Serbs (4K Turks to 50K Serbs)
Battle of Marica; Long list of Serbian-Turkish Conflicts 1371-1526 Venerable Romilus of Ravenica, Commemorated January 16 ;

Bulgaria, 1371-1395, Tsar, Ivan Shishman, tsar of Tarnovo, central Bulgaria, no Ottoman tribute, or military aid
Bulgarian Emperor, 1371-1395, Ivan Shishman of Bulgaria; Shishman ruled as emperor (tsar) of Bulgaria in Tarnovo from 1371 to 3 June 1395. The authority of Ivan Shishman was limited to the central parts of the Bulgarian Empire. the wake of the death of Ivan Alexander, the Bulgarian Empire was subdivided into three kingdoms among his sons, with Ivan Shishman taking the Tаrnovo Kingdom situated in central Bulgaria and his half brother Ivan Sratsimir holding the Vidin Tsardom. his struggle to repel the Ottomans differentiated him from the other rulers on the Balkans the Serbian despot Stephan Lazarevic who became a loyal vassal to the Ottomans and paid annual tribute and participated in all of the Ottoman campaigns subsequent to the battle of Kosovo, contributing a 5,000 strong contingent of christian knights. Although Ivan Shishman has been categorized as indecisive and inconsistent in his policy in the past, this was done with little regard for an understanding of the context of the conditions and limited resources that this ruler had at his disposal. is notable that Ivan Shishman is the only Balkan ruler for whom there is no evidence of tribute paid to the Ottoman empire or any military aid provided. on historical evidence and the numerous folk songs of the region glorifying his struggle against the Ottoman invaders, the image of Ivan Shishman is one of fierce and concerted resistance to the Ottoman incursions. in 1393 the Ottoman Turks seized the capital Tarnovo. Two years later, Sultan Bayezid I captured Nicopolis with a surprise approach from the north of the fortress after two failed campaigns in Hungary and Wallachia, summoning Ivan Shishman on the false pretense of a discussion and had him executed by beheading. the military and political weakness, during his rule Bulgaria remained a major cultural center and the ideas of Hesychasm dominated the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Patriarch Evtimiy of Tarnovo became the most prominent cultural figure of the country. A number of texts were written or translated and an orthographic reform of the Bulgarian language was issued with synchronised rules. After the fall of Bulgaria, a number of scholars found refuge in the other Orthodox countries and brought the achievements of the Bulgarian culture to them. reign was inextricably connected to the fall of Bulgaria under Ottoman domination. In Bulgarian folklore Ivan Shishman is portrayed as a legendary and heroic ruler who desperately fought against the overwhelming Ottoman forces. There are numerous sites, geographical features and fortresses named after him throughout Bulgaria.

Bulgaria, 1371-1396, Tsar, Ivan Sratsimir, tsar of Vidin, last ruler of medieval Bulgaria
Bulgarian Emperor, 1371-1396, Ivan Sratsimir of Bulgaria; Sratsimir or Ivan Stratsimir was emperor (tsar) of Bulgaria in Vidin from 1356 to 1396. He was born in 1324 or 1325, and he died in or after 1397. being the eldest surviving son of Ivan Alexander, Ivan Sratsimir was disinherited in favour of his half-brother Ivan Shishman and proclaimed himself emperor in Vidin. When the Hungarians attacked and occupied his domains, he received assistance from his father and the invaders were driven away. the death of Ivan Alexander in 1371 Ivan Sratsimir broke off ties with Tarnovo and even placed the archbishop of Vidin under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople to demonstrate his independence. to its geographical position, Vidin was initially safe from attacks by the Ottoman Turks who were ravaging the Balkans to the south and Ivan Sratsimir made no attempts to assist Ivan Shishman in his struggle against the Ottomans. after the fall of Tarnovo in 1393 did his policy become more active and he eventually joined the crusade of the Hungarian king Sigismund. after the disastrous battle of Nicopolis in 1396, the Ottomans marched to Vidin and seized it. Sratsimir was captured and imprisoned in Bursa where he was probably strangled. Although his son Constantine II claimed the title Emperor of Bulgaria and at times controlled some parts of his father's realm, Ivan Sratsimir is generally regarded by historians as the last ruler of medieval Bulgaria. Hill on Trinity Peninsula in Antarctica is named after him.[1]

Bulgaria, 1375, Virgin Martyrs Parthena +2, Edessa, Greece, Turk Seige, defended but P's father hates her and city
Greece, 1375, Virgin Martyrs Parthena, Domnina, and Neollina, Edessa, Macedonia, Greece, story is only about Parthena, E beseiged by Turks, good defense seige lifting, but P's father betrays city for money, he became muslim, he gave her to Turk Pasha, when P not become muslim, father strips her and turns her over to Turks, buried alive, This story fulfills prophecy Christians will be hated by family, but endurance saves.; Edessa, Macedonia, Greece; Virgin Martyrs Neollina, Domnina, and Parthena, Commemorated on January 12; the first Sunday after Theophany (January 7-13), we celebrate the memory of the Virgin Martyrs Neollina, Domnina and Parthena (Νεολλίνα, Δομνίνα, Παρθένα) of Edessa in the Holy Metropolis of Edessa and Pella. is known about Saints Neollina and Domnina, only about Saint Parthena. Holy Virgin Martyr Parthena came from Edessa in Macedonia and was born in the 14th century. Her life was in accord with her virginal name, for she lived ascetically, and with the utmost modesty. the year 1375 Edessa was besieged by the Turks, the residents put up a strong defense, aided and encouraged by Hieromonk Seraphim, the rector of the cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos. enemy was perfectly organized and numerous, but it as it happened, they were preparing to end the siege. the last minute, Peter, one of the city's priests, who was Parthena's father, was paid a large sum of money by the Turkish Pasha, and so he betrayed the city. Turks invaded Edessa on December 26, 1375 from the southeast, where he was on guard, and where one of the major battles for the city took place. its citizens were massacred or sold into slavery; homes were looted, and women were raped. Seraphim was arrested and subjected to severe torments, and then he was drowned in the great waterfall called "Itseri Pasha" (the Pasha's water). traitor Peter, after his heinous act which led to the fall of the city, denied Christ and became a Muslim. if that were not enough, he also gave his daughter Parthena to the Pasha as a concubine, because he was unable to persuade her to deny Christ. hearing her father's words, Saint Parthena, like another Saint Barbara, shuddered, and with spiritual courage she told her wretched father that she would never deny the sweetest name of her heavenly Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. of being put to shame and moved to repentance, he became angry and behaved like a wild beast. He beat the Saint until she was bloody and unconscious. he stripped her and handed her over to the Turks. The soldiers tortured her for three days. In the end, she was led up a hillside, where she was buried alive. To this day, the hill is called Parthena's Hill. shocking as the father's conduct may seem, the Savior predicted that such atrocities would take place: "Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by everyone for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:21-22). the prayers of the Holy Virgin Martyr Parthena, may the Lord strengthen us to persevere until the end of our earthly lives, and make us worthy of a small corner of Paradise.

Bulgaria, 1400, 15th Century Folder, Ottoman Empire Begins

Bulgaria, 1405-1463, Isidore of Kiev, Bulgarian, Became Uniate
Russia, Kiev, 1405-1463, Isidore of Kiev, Metropolitan, Became Catholic; Repose of St Jonah the Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia, Commemorated on March 31 ;

Bulgaria, 1413-1453, Ottoman Empire, Adrianopolis (the Turks)
Ottoman Empire, Adrianopolis, Bulgaria, 1413-1453 (the Turks); St Stephen of Serbia, œthe blind oneÂ, Commemorated on October 9; New Martyr Ephraim, Commemorated on May 5;

Bulgaria, 1421-1444, 1446-1451, Ottoman Empire Sultan, Murat II, economic development, Trade increase, could have invaded Europe
Bulgaria, 1421-1451, Ottoman Empire Sultan, Murat II; II (16 June 1404[1][2] - 3 February 1451) was the sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1421 to 1444 and again from 1446 to 1451. II's reign was a period of important economic development. Trade increased and Ottoman cities expanded considerably. In 1432, the traveller Bertrandon de la Broquière noted that Ottoman annual revenue had risen to 2,500,000 ducats, and that if Murad II had used all available resources he could easily have invaded Europe.[4] St Stephen of Serbia, œthe blind oneÂ, Commemorated on October 9; Blessed John the King of Serbia and his parents, Commemorated on December 10 ; Blessed Stephen the Prince of Serbia, Commemorated on December 10; St Mark the Archbishop of Ephesus, Commemorated on January 19;

Bulgaria, 1444-1446, 1451-1481, Ottoman Empire, Sultan, Mehmed the Conqueror, Mehmed II, c constantinople at 21
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1444-1481, Mehmed the Conqueror; II (30 March 1432 - 3 May 1481), commonly known as Mehmed the Conqueror ( lit.The Father of Conquest; Turkish: Fatih Sultan Mehmed), was an Ottoman sultan who ruled from August 1444 to September 1446, and then later from February 1451 to May 1481. In Mehmed II's first reign, he defeated the crusade led by John Hunyadi after the Hungarian incursions into his country broke the conditions of the truce Peace of Szeged. When Mehmed II ascended the throne again in 1451 he strengthened the Ottoman navy and made preparations to attack Constantinople. At the age of 21, he conquered Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) and brought an end to the Byzantine Empire. the conquest Mehmed claimed the title "Caesar" of the Roman Empire, based on the fact that Constantinople had been the seat and capital of the surviving Eastern Roman Empire since its consecration in 330 AD by Emperor Constantine I.[4] The claim was only recognized by the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Nonetheless, Mehmed II viewed the Ottoman state as a continuation of the Roman Empire for the remainder of his life, seeing himself as continuing the Empire rather than replacing it. continued his conquests in Anatolia with its reunification and in Southeast Europe as far west as Bosnia. At home he made many political and social reforms, encouraged the arts and sciences, and by the end of his reign, his rebuilding program had changed Constantinople into a thriving imperial capital. He is considered a hero in modern-day Turkey and parts of the wider Muslim world. Among other things, Istanbul's Fatih district, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and Fatih Mosque are named after him. Venerable Angelina of Serbia, Commemorated on July 30; St Niphon the Patriarch of Constantinople of Mt Athos, Commemorated on August 11; St Stephen of Serbia, œthe blind oneÂ, Commemorated on October 9; Venerable Matrona of Chios, Commemorated on October 20; Blessed John the King of Serbia and his parents, Commemorated on December 10 ; Blessed Stephen the Prince of Serbia, Commemorated on December 10; St Nectarius of Bitel, Commemorated on December 15; Venerable Daniel the Hesychast, Commemorated on December 18; St Maximus the New, Commemorated on January 18; Righteous Theodora, wife of the Emperor Theophilus, the Iconoclast, Commemorated on February 11; New Martyr Raphael of Lesbos, Commemorated on April 9; St Eleni (who was also called Susanna), New martyr of Lesbos, Commemorated on April 9; St Zosimas II of Kumurdo, Commemorated on May 1; St Angelina of Serbia, Commemorated on July 1; Translation of the relics of the Venerable John of Rila from Trnovo to Rila, Commemorated on July 1; St Stephen the Great, Commemorated on July 2;

Bulgaria, 1460-1500, Nectarius oBitel, Bulgaria, mother's MOG vision tFlee, Athos clairvoyant, suffered envy, complete humility
Bulgaria, 1460-1500, Nectarius oBitel (Butili) near Kuklen and Plovdiv, Bulgaria (Maritza River 5), before turk invasion, mother's vision MOG told her to flee tHiding, father took N tHoly Unvercenaries Monastery, near Bitel, later N went tAthos, clairvoyant elder accepted him, suffered envy, displayed complete humility, charity, d 1500; Kuklen Monastery of St.St. Kosma and Damyan, Plovdiv, Bulgaria (Maritza River 5) ; Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Saint Nectarius of Bitel, Commemorated on December 15; Nectarius of Bitel was born in the small town of Bitel (or Butili) in Bulgaria. In the world he was named Nicholas. a Turkish invasion his mother had a vision: the Most Holy Virgin Herself appeared and told her to flee and go into hiding with her husband and children. ’s father, having taken the boy with him, withdrew to a monastery dedicated to the Holy Unmercenaries (Saints Cosmas and Damian), not far from Bitel, where he became a monk with the name Pachomius. having reached adolescence, went on to Athos. clairvoyant Elder Philotheus accepted him and tonsured him into the angelic schema with the name Nectarius. monk suffered for a long time from the envy and spite of one of the novices, but he displayed complete humility. was distinguished for his charity. money he obtained from his handicraft was distributed to the poor. Saint Nectarius died in the year 1500.

Bulgaria, 1500, 16th Century Folder, Turks Rule, George of Serbia, Burning of Sava's Relics

Bulgaria, 1500, Philotheus oKaryes, Athos (the capital of the Holy Mountain), Nectarius' Spiritual father, gift oClairvoyance
Greece, 1500, Philotheus oKaryes, Athos (the capital of the Holy Mountain), Nectarius' Spiritual father, gift oClairvoyance; Kayes; Venerable Philotheus of Karyes of Mt Athos, Commemorated December 5 ; Philotheus of Karyes lived an ascetic life on Athos in the cell of Iagari near Karyes. was the Spiritual Father of Saint Nectarius. of the purity of his life, he was granted the gift of clairvoyance.

Bulgaria, 1500, Nectarius oBitolya, Macedonia, Center of K Triangle, Capital o1st Bulgarian Empire, relics wonderful fragrance
Greece, 1500, Nectarius oBitolya, Macedonia, Center of K Triangle (Pelagonia Valley) Capital of First Bulgarian Empire, raised by father, a monk at Cosmas&Damian Monastery iB, tonsured aMt Athos under Philotheus&Dionysius, exceptional bodily afflictions like Job, died 1500, relics uncovered 1504 wonderous fragrance; Bitolya ; Venerable and Mt Athos, Commemorated December 5 ; Nectarius of Mount Athos was raised by his father, became a monk at the monastery of the holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian in Bitolya (Bulgaria). himself was tonsured on Mount Athos, and performed his obedience under experienced spiritual guides, Saint Philotheus and the Elder Dionysius. Job, the monk experienced exceptional bodily afflictions, he peacefully gave up his soul to the Lord on December 5, 1500. holy relics of the saint were uncovered four years later, exuding a wondrous fragrance.

Bulgaria, 1512-1520, George oSofia, Bulgaria, childless p, turk fez, large fire fHim, heavy rain, bright light, holy relics
Bulgaria, 1512-1520, George of Sofia, Bulgaria (at the foot of Mt Vitosha, Iskar River 1)), childless parents prayed for him, turks put fez on head, boldly confessed, rods but persevered, large fire to burn him, heavy rain, bright light, holy relics Sofia, occupies a strategic position at the centre of the Balkan Peninsula ; Saint George, New Martyr of Sofia, Commemorated on February 11; Holy Martyr George the New was born into an illustrious Bulgarian family, living in the capital city of Bulgaria, Sredets (now the city of Sofia). George’s childless parents, John and Mary, in their declining years entreated the Lord to send them a child. Their prayer was answered, and they baptized the infant with the name of the holy Great Martyr George (April 23). George received a fine upbringing, he attentively studied the Holy Scriptures, and he was pious and chaste. parents died when George was twenty-five. At that time Bulgaria found itself under the rule of the Turks, who forcibly converted Christians to Islam. several Moslems tried to convert George. They put a fez on the saint’s head. This is a red circular hat which Moslems wear to enter their house of prayer. But George threw the fez on the ground. The Turks brought the martyr to their governor with beatings and abuse. governor was impressed with Saint George’s appearance and bearing, and he urged him to accept Islam, promising honors and wealth from Sultan Selim (1512-1520). saint boldly and steadfastly confessed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and reproached the errors of Islam. governor in a rage gave orders to beat Saint George with rods, but the saint persevered in his confession of faith in Christ. governor ordered the tortures to be increased. The passion-bearer bore all his sufferings, calling on the Lord Jesus Christ for help. Then they led the martyr through the city to the beat of a drum and shouts: “Do not insult Mohammed nor abase the Moslem faith”. a large fire was lit in the city, to burn Saint George. Weakened by his wounds, the saint fell to the ground. They threw him into the fire still alive, and they threw corpses of dogs on top of him so that Christians would not be able to find the relics of the martyr. a heavy rain fell and extinguished the fire. With the onset of darkness, the place where the body of the martyr was thrown was illumined with a bright light. They gave permission to a certain Christian priest to take the venerable relics of the martyr for burial. Informed about the occurrence, Metropolitan Jeremiah and his clergy went to the place of execution. In the ashes of the fire they located the body of the holy Martyr George and carried it to the church of Saint George the Great Martyr in the city of Sredets. May 26, 1515 the holy relics of Saint George were removed from the grave, placed in a coffin, and then brought into the church, where they have remained ever since. The Church honors Saint George twice during the year: on February 11, the day of his martyrdom, and on May 26, the uncovering of his holy relics.

Bulgaria, 1595, Burning oSava's Relics, Mileshevo M Serbia, incorrupt, Serb flag icon, r burnt during revolt, inspired Serbia
Bulgaria, 1595, Burning oSava's Relics, Mileshevo Monastery& Trnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2.3), Buried 1235, incorrupt 1237, transferred 1237 tSerbia, 1253 Saint, Turk Rule 1389, his icon on Serb flag, 1595 Serb revolt, R crushed and Relics burnt, Serbs inspired, annual rememberance burning, 1895 church over burning spot, 1989 Cathedral there; Trnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2); The Burning of Saint Sava's relics, Commemorated on April 27; his death in Trnovo, Bulgaria on January 14, 1235 Saint Savva was buried in the Cathedral of the Forty Martyrs. May 6, 1237 his relics were carried in procession from Trnovo to Mileshevo Monastery in Serbia. the casket was opened, the relics were found to be incorrupt, and produced an ineffable fragrance. In 1253, the Serbian Orthodox Church glorified the holy hierarch Savva as a Saint. the Battle of Kosovo on June 25, 1389, the Serbian nation fell under the Turkish Yoke. this period the Serbs continued to visit the tomb of Saint Savva, asking him to give them the strength to endure the oppressive persecution they suffered at the hands of the Turks. icon was placed on their flags, and the faithful turned to the Saint for encouragement, consolation, and healing. Serbs revolted in 1595, led by Patriarch John Kantul and others. Pasha, the Turkish military leader in Belgrade, sent soldiers to crush the rebellion. Mohammed II ordered that the relics of Saint Savva be burnt. Great and Holy Friday, the Turks removed the Saint's relics from Mileshevo Monastery. The next day, April 27, they climbed Savinac Hill in the Vrachar district and set fire to the holy relics. of becoming despondent, the Serbs were inspired to even greater love for Christ, for Holy Orthodoxy, and for Saint Savva. Although the Saint's relics had been destroyed, the people continued to venerate him, and to remember the burning of his relics every year. national independence in 1879, there was a proposal to build a memorial church in honor of Saint Savva. In 1895, the three hundredth anniversary of the burning of Saint Savva's relics, plans were made to build a church on the site where his relics were burnt. A temporary chapel was constructed the following year, but it was not possible to build a large cathedral until after World War I. In 1927, Patriarch Barnabas announced a competition for architects to submit designs for the cathedral. In 1935, architects were chosen and construction began. World War II, work was halted when the Communists seized power. Only in 1984 did Patriarch German receive government approval to resume construction. On June 25, 1989, Patriarch German served the first Divine Liturgy in Saint Savva's Memorial Cathedral, which towers over the city of Belgrade. is a famous Serbian saying: "Sinan Pasha lit the flames, Savva's body burned, but Savva's memory and his glory did not burn."

Bulgaria, 1600-1699, 17th Century Folder, Ottoman Empire, Demetrius of Basarabov

Bulgaria, 1685, Demetrius of Basarabov and Ruschuk, wilderness ascetic, Rusenski Lom River Mouth, Danube River 13
Ruschuk, Bulgaria; St Demetrius of Basarbov in Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 26; Demetrius of Basarabov in Bulgaria lived in the wilderness as an ascetic near the city of Ruschuk, Bulgaria. He died in 1685. On July 8, 1779 his relics were transferred to Bucharest.

Bulgaria, 1700, 18th Century Folder, History of Slav Bulgarians

Bulgaria, 1742-1773, Paisius oHilandar&Bulgaria, Historian, nickname Paisii, clergyman, key Bulgarian national revival figure
Bulgaria, 1742-1773, Paisius of Hilandar and Bulgaria, Historian, National Awakening, nickname Paisii, clergyman, key Bulgarian national revival figure, author of the second Bulgarian History, after "History of Bulgaria" by Peter Bogdan Bakshev from 1667, from Samokov eparchy near Bansko, to Hilandar Mt Athos 1745, priest (hieromonk) and deputy-abbot , collecting materials 2 years, hard work, even visited Hapsburg Monarchy, finished his book 1762 in Zograf monastery, first attempt at complete history of Bulgaria, to awaken&strengthen national consciousness, famous paragraph: you unwise moron, ashamed Bulgarian, don't read write in Bulgarian, wern't B's powerful once, taking taxes from Romans&Greeks, bravest slavic nation, first kings with patriarchs, first to baptize people, why ashamed great history and language, why turn into Greeks, speaks his purpose and the danger of Helenization by Greek Clergy, his book two introductions, a chapter on Slavic teachers the disciples oCyril&Methodius, Bulgarian Saints chapter, and an epilogue, he handed out book as he toured Bulgaria as mendicant (poverty, work, alms) friar, copied and spread; Bulgaria, 1742-1773, Paisius of Hilandar and Bulgaria ; Paisius of Hilendar or Paìsiy Hilendàrski (Bulgarian: Свети Паисий Хилендарски) (1722–1773) a Bulgarian clergyman and a key Bulgarian National Revival figure. is most famous for being the author of Istoriya Slavyanobolgarskaya, the second modern Bulgarian history after the work of Petar Bogdan Bakshev from 1667, "History of Bulgaria".[1] Bulgarians are taught that he was the forefather of the Bulgarian National Revival.[2] was born in the Samokov eparchy of the time. There is a dispute about the exact place of birth, between the town of Bansko[3][4] and villages around Samokov like Relyovo.[5] established himself in the Hilandar monastery on Mount Athos in 1745, he was later a hieromonk and deputy-abbot. materials for two years through hard work and even visiting the Habsburg Monarchy, finished his Istoriya Slavyanobolgarskaya in 1762 in the Zograf Monastery. book was the first attempt to write a complete history of Bulgaria attempted to awake and strengthen Bulgarian national consciousnesses.[6] most famous part of the whole book is the paragraph: you unwise moron! Why are you ashamed to call yourself a Bulgarian and why don't you read and speak in your native language? Bulgarians powerful and glorious once? they take taxes from strong Romans and wise Greeks? of all the Slavic nations they were the bravest one. rulers were the first ones to call themselves kings, the first ones to have patriarchs, the first ones to baptise their people.(...) are you ashamed of your great history and your great language why do you leave it to turn yourselves into Greeks? do you think they are any better than you? here you're right because did you see a Greek leave his country and ancestry like you do?" more or less signifies the purpose of the author who speaks about the danger of Bulgarians falling victim to the Hellenization policies of the mainly Greek clergy. anti-Greek sentiments presented in Paisius writing, characterized the Greeks as some kind of Bulgarian national enemies.[7][8][9] book's first manual copy was done by Sophronius of Vratsa in 1765. Istoriya Slavyanobolgarskaya consists of two introductions, chapters that discuss various historic events, chapter about the "Slavic teachers", the disciples of Cyril and Methodius, chapter about the Bulgarian saints, an epilogue. Paisius toured Bulgaria as a mendicant friar, he brought his work, which was copied and spread among the Bulgarians. is thought to have died on the way to Mount Athos near Ampelino (modern-day Asenovgrad). page of Istoriya slavyanobulgarska (Slav-Bulgarian History) Peak on Livingston Island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica is named after Paisiy of Hilendar.[10] saint is portrayed on the obverse of the Bulgarian 2 lev banknote, issued in 1999 and 2005.[11] Bulgaria, 1762, History of the Slav-Bulgarians; Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19;

Bulgaria, 1762, Paisius' History of the Slav-Bulgarians, National Awakening
Bulgaria, 1762, History of the Slav-Bulgarians; Paisius of Hilendar or Paìsiy Hilendàrski (Bulgarian: Ð¡Ð²ÐµÑ‚Ð¸ ÐŸÐ°Ð¸ÑÐ¸Ð¹ Ð¥Ð¸Ð»ÐµÐ½Ð´Ð°Ñ€ÑÐºÐ¸) (1722–1773) a Bulgarian clergyman and a key Bulgarian National Revival figure. He is most famous for being the author of Istoriya Slavyanobolgarskaya, the second modern Bulgarian history after the work of Petar Bogdan Bakshev from 1667, "History of Bulgaria".[1] Bulgarians are taught that he was the forefather of the Bulgarian National Revival.[2] was born in the Samokov eparchy of the time. There is a dispute about the exact place of birth, between the town of Bansko[3][4] and villages around Samokov like Relyovo.[5] He established himself in the Hilandar monastery on Mount Athos in 1745, where he was later a hieromonk and deputy-abbot. Collecting materials for two years through hard work and even visiting the Habsburg Monarchy, he finished his Istoriya Slavyanobolgarskaya in 1762 in the Zograf Monastery. The book was the first attempt to write a complete history of Bulgaria and attempted to awake and strengthen Bulgarian national consciousnesses.[6] most famous part of the whole book is the paragraph: "Oh, you unwise moron! Why are you ashamed to call yourself a Bulgarian and why don't you read and speak in your native language? Weren't Bulgarians powerful and glorious once? Didn't they take taxes from strong Romans and wise Greeks? Out of all the Slavic nations they were the bravest one. Our rulers were the first ones to call themselves kings, the first ones to have patriarchs, the first ones to baptise their people.(...) Why are you ashamed of your great history and your great language and why do you leave it to turn yourselves into Greeks? Why do you think they are any better than you? Well, here you're right because did you see a Greek leave his country and ancestry like you do?" more or less signifies the purpose of the author who speaks about the danger of Bulgarians falling victim to the Hellenization policies of the mainly Greek clergy. These anti-Greek sentiments presented in Paisius writing, characterized the Greeks as some kind of Bulgarian national enemies.[7][8][9] The book's first manual copy was done by Sophronius of Vratsa in 1765. Structurally, Istoriya Slavyanobolgarskaya consists of two introductions, several chapters that discuss various historic events, a chapter about the "Slavic teachers", the disciples of Cyril and Methodius, a chapter about the Bulgarian saints, and an epilogue. As Paisius toured Bulgaria as a mendicant friar, he brought his work, which was copied and spread among the Bulgarians. He is thought to have died on the way to Mount Athos near Ampelino (modern-day Asenovgrad). page of Istoriya slavyanobulgarska (Slav-Bulgarian History) Peak on Livingston Island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica is named after Paisiy of Hilendar.[10] saint is portrayed on the obverse of the Bulgarian 2 lev banknote, issued in 1999 and 2005.[11] Venerable Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19; St. Demetrius, the New Martyr of Sliven, Commemorated on January 30;

Bulgaria, 1771, Damascene of Hilandar, igumen, sent to Svishtov, Bulgaria, to collect rent, to avoid paying Moslems framed him
Gabrovo, Bulgaria ; Hieromartyr Damascene of Hilandar of Mt Athos, Commemorated January 16 ; Hieromartyr Damascene the New was born in the village of Gabrovo of the Trnovo diocese in Bulgaria. He left his home as a young man and went to the Hilandar monastery on Mount Athos. Over time, he was ordained deacon and priest, fulfilling various obediences in the monastery. Later he was chosen as the igumen. Damascene often journeyed to various places on monastery business. One day Father Damascene was sent to Svishtov [Svištov, in Serbian], Bulgaria to collect rent from a Moslem on some property owned by the monastery. To avoid paying the debt, the man sent a Moslem woman to the room where the saint was staying. Then he and others broke in and accused Father Damascene of impropriety. If he was found guilty, he could be put to death. kadi (judge) did not believe that Father Damascene was guilty of the charges, but since the other Moslems had given false testimony against him, the judge had to find him guilty. Before taking him to be executed, he was given the choice of being put to death, or of saving his life by converting to Islam. The saint replied, “I was born a Christian, and I shall die a Christian; for to deny Christ is to forfeit eternal life. It would be madness if I agreed to preserve this temporary life in exchange for eternal perdition. I am sorry for you if you do not understand this.” that nothing would induce the saint to deny Christ and accept their religion, the Moslems brought him to the place of execution. Saint Damascene asked for some time to pray, and his request was granted. After completing his prayers he made the Sign of the Cross and told them that he was ready. The holy New Martyr Damascene was hanged at Svishtov on January 16, 1771, and received an incorruptible crown of glory from Christ. wrath of God was not slow in overtaking the evil-doers, however. After they put the saint to death they got into a boat to cross the Danube River, and the boat capsized in a storm, drowning them.

Bulgaria, 1791-1794, John tNew oBulgaria, at 19 martyred at Hagia Sophia, renounced Islam, beheaded
Constantinople, 1791-1794, John the New of Bulgaria, at 19 martyred at Great Church (Hagia Sophia), Constantinople, Born somewhere in Bulgaria, as a boy wMoslem companions, renounced Christ for Islam, came to senses at 16, grief, fled to Great Larva Athos, monastic great strictness 3yrs, to Constantinople to shed blood for his apostacy, to Hagia Sophia, now a Mosque, to moslems renounced false religion oMohammed to follow Christ once more, beheaded; Hagia Sophia; St John the New Martyr of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 5; holy New Martyr John was born in Bulgaria in 1775. fanatical Moslems believed that they would be assured of an eternal “paradise” where they would enjoy beautiful virgins and an abundance of food if they could force Christians to deny Christ and follow Mohammed, they spared no effort to convert Christians through flattery or by threats of death. John was still a boy, he fell in with Moslem companions. Through various ways, he was led to renounce Christ and to follow Islam. came to his senses when he was about sixteen, and was stricken with grief at his denial of Christ. fled to Mt. Athos to the Great Lavra. Here he spent his time in repentence under the guidance of an Elder. lived a monastic life of great strictness for three years, his conscience continued to trouble him. the blessing of his Elder, he decided to travel to Constantinople to wipe out his apostasy by confessing Christ in a public way and by shedding his blood. young monk dressed himself as a Turk, which a Christian was not permitted to do. in Constantinople, he went directly to the church of Hagia Sophia, which had been turned into a mosque. in front of the Moslems, he made the Sign of the Cross and began to recite Christian prayers. he said in a loud voice that he had been born a Christian, but had fallen into error and renounced Christ. he declared, he wished to renounce the false religion of Mohammed in order to follow Christ once more. Turks fell into a frenzied rage when they heard his words. They seized him and began to torture him in various ways. “Renounce Christ,” they said, “and return to the Moslem faith, or you will be killed.” John replied, “Without Christ, there is no salvation.” furious Hagarenes dragged the saint out to the courtyard to behead him. In this manner, Saint John received the crown of martyrdom in 1784 at the age of nineteen.

Bulgaria, 1794, Anastasius, Strumica, Bulgaria (Strumitza River 1), typical marytrdom by Moslems
Bulgaria, 1794, St Anastasius of Strumitza Eparchy, Bulgaria (Strumitza River 1), in Thessalonica, selling Turkish clothes without paying duty, dressing like a turk, could not recite moslem salutation, armed w sword, refused becomming Moslem, tortured and died; Strumica; St Anastasius of the Strumitza Eparchy, Commemorated on August 29; New Martyr Anastasius, a Bulgarian, was born in 1774 in the Strumnitsk diocese, in the village of Radovicha. His parents gave him over to military studies. When the youth was twenty years old, he happened to be with his teacher in Thessalonica. The master wanted to sell some Turkish clothes without paying the customary duty. He told his disciple to dress himself as a Turk and go into the city. The collectors of the duty stopped him and demanded the written receipt of duty payment. The youth answered that he was a Turk. Then the collectors demanded that he recite the salutation with the Moslem prayer. The youth became confused and quiet. They ordered him to appear before the commander, who in interrogating the martyr suggested that he become a Moslem. The youth refused, and they led him away to the chief tax-collector. official tried at first to flatter, then to threaten the martyr, who admitted his civil guilt, but would not agree to betray the holy Faith. The tax-collector made this known to the mufti, who in turn answered, “You have in one hand the sword, in the other the law, use what you wish.” knew that by law the tax-collector ought to collect the tax from the youth, but then by judgment of the mufti he would not be a follower of Mohammed, armed with a sword. When he had received such an answer, the commander of the haraje sent the youth to the local mullah together with five Turks, who were obliged to testify that the Christian had blasphemed the Moslem religion. the accusations of blasphemy against Mohammed by these witnesses, the youth honestly answered that he did not blaspheme him, but he would allow having shown disrespect to Moslem customs. They subjected him to torture and condemned him to hanging. Along the way, they continued to urge the martyr to renounce his faith, but bleeding and exhausted, he fell upon the wayside and died on August 29, 1794.

Bulgaria, 1794, Anastasius of Strumitza Eparchy, Bulgaria (Strumitza River 1), in Thessalonica, selling Turkish clothes story
Bulgaria, 1794, St Anastasius of Strumitza Eparchy, Bulgaria (Strumitza River 1), in Thessalonica, selling Turkish clothes without paying duty, dressing like a turk, could not recite moslem salutation, armed w sword, refused becomming Moslem, tortured and died; Strumica; St Anastasius of the Strumitza Eparchy, Commemorated on August 29; New Martyr Anastasius, a Bulgarian, was born in 1774 in the Strumnitsk diocese, in the village of Radovicha. parents gave him over to military studies. the youth was twenty years old, he happened to be with his teacher in Thessalonica. master wanted to sell some Turkish clothes without paying the customary duty. He told his disciple to dress himself as a Turk and go into the city. collectors of the duty stopped him and demanded the written receipt of duty payment. The youth answered that he was a Turk. Then the collectors demanded that he recite the salutation with the Moslem prayer. The youth became confused and quiet. They ordered him to appear before the commander, who in interrogating the martyr suggested that he become a Moslem. The youth refused, and they led him away to the chief tax-collector. official tried at first to flatter, then to threaten the martyr, who admitted his civil guilt, but would not agree to betray the holy Faith. The tax-collector made this known to the mufti, who in turn answered, “You have in one hand the sword, in the other the law, use what you wish.” knew that by law the tax-collector ought to collect the tax from the youth, but then by judgment of the mufti he would not be a follower of Mohammed, armed with a sword. he had received such an answer, the commander of the haraje sent the youth to the local mullah together with five Turks, who were obliged to testify that the Christian had blasphemed the Moslem religion. the accusations of blasphemy against Mohammed by these witnesses, the youth honestly answered that he did not blaspheme him, but he would allow having shown disrespect to Moslem customs. subjected him to torture and condemned him to hanging. Along the way, they continued to urge the martyr to renounce his faith, but bleeding and exhausted, he fell upon the wayside and died on August 29, 1794.

Bulgaria, 1794-1802, New Martr Lazarus, Pergamon Shepherd, Moslem attacked by hDog, rape charge, prayed tGeorge, tongue healed
Bulgaria, 1794-1802, New Martyr Lazarus of Gabrovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 1), Shepherd near Pergamon, Moslem wife attacked by his dog, saved her but she said he attached her, her husband attacked wrong man, to hide mistake had wife's relatives charge Laz wRape, relatives offered $1,000 if he converts, horrible tortures, red hot irons, heavy stones on chest, prayed Lord &St George, tongue ruined by hot iron, heated band on head, med doctor merchant John oZagora, aga's doctor, saw his tongue healed, encouraged him, aga realized tHealing, I have 1 God in 3 persons, will die Orthodox C, condemned him to hang ; Gabrovo, Bulgaria ; New Martyr Lazarus of Bulgaria, Commemorated on April 23; Holy New Martyr Lazarus was from Gabrovo, Bulgaria and he was born to devout and God-loving parents in 1774. a young age he left Gabrovo and went to Soma in Asia Minor, near Pergamon, where he became a shepherd. day while tending his sheep in the fields, he sat down to rest, and fell asleep. a Moslem woman passed by, and was attacked by the sheep dog. by the dog's barking, Lazarus hastened to save her. dog was calmed down and the woman was unharmed, but her dress was somewhat torn. infuriated the woman, who immediately went home and told her husband that she had been attacked by a Christian shepherd who attempted to molest her. enraged husband went out to look for Lazarus, but since he did not know him, he mistook another man for Lazarus, and nearly beat him to death. order to hide his mistake, the husband had his wife's relatives go before the Turkish judge and to charge Lazarus with attempted rape. Lazarus was aware of what the woman's husband planned to do, he did not attempt to hide. He knew that he was innocent, and that running away would only make him appear guilty. on April 7, 1802, he showed up in court, where he was charged and thrown into prison. the meantime, the woman's relatives insisted that Lazarus must either convert to Islam or be executed for the dishonor he had inflicted upon their relative. They offered the aga a thousand grosia if he succeeded in converting Lazarus; or if the Saint refused to deny Christ, he must be sentenced to death. prison, saints Lazarus was beaten continuously until April 22, in an attempt to force his conversion. Christians came and visited Lazarus to give him support and encouragement, but he requested them to leave because they were placing themselves in danger. the aga grew increasingly angry because Lazarus would not convert, and the one thousand grosia seemed to be slipping through his fingers. Lazarus remained steadfast in the face of torture and flattery, and so the aga confiscated his herd of forty sheep. Tuesday of Saint Thomas week (April 22) the aga ordered more tortures for Lazarus. After his tormentors got drunk, they began applying red-hot irons to Lazarus' body. Then they placed heavy stones upon his chest, Lazarus still refused to submit. Instead, Lazarus entreated the Lord to help him, and he also prayed to Saint George (April 23), asking for his assistance. the torturers stretched out Lazarus' tongue and applied a hot iron to it, burning the front half and cauterizing the rest. Lazarus was now unable to speak, they told him to use sign language when he was ready to convert. They also placed a heated iron band around his head, causing him terrible pain. sunset, the merchant John from Zagora, who was also a medical doctor, went to see the aga, with whom he was acquainted, because he was the physician to the aga's household. John went to the window of the prison and was able to see Lazarus sitting on the floor. Not only did he seem to be well, but he was also able to speak normally. The doctor, who was an Orthodox Christian, encouraged Lazarus to persevere until the end, and to endure everything for the love of Christ. He spoke to Lazarus in Turkish, since he did not know Bulgarian and Lazarus did not understand Greek. Lazarus assured the doctor that he would not give in, but he was afraid that the Moslems would become tired of torturing him and would just stop instead of putting him to death. the aga learned that Lazarus could speak, he became angry with the torturers, whom he thought had deceived him. Yet when he saw the marks of torture on the Saint's body, he was convinced that the men had done their job. After trying once more to make Lazarus convert, he heard him reject all gifts, honors, and promises of wealth if he became a Moslem. Saint Lazarus told him, "I have one God in three persons, Whom I worship and adore. I was baptized as an Orthodox Christian, and I shall die as an Orthodox Christian." Then the aga ordered that he be hanged. the way to the place of his execution, many Moslems mocked Lazarus for being so foolish as to give up his life for Jesus Christ. When they arrived at their destination, Saint Lazarus voluntarily placed the rope around his own neck and stood on a basket, and then the executioner kicked it from under his feet. Thus the Holy New Martyr Lazarus endured martyrdom on April 23, 1802. He was twenty-eight years old when he departed from this temporal life, and inherited everlasting life. Now, in the Kingdom of Heaven, he joins the angels and all the Saints in glorifying the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit throughout the ages. Church Service in honor of Saint Lazarus was composed by Saint Nikephoros of Chios (May 1). Portions of his relics can be venerated in Leimonos Monastery in Lesbos, and in the Chapel of Saint Xenia of Saint Petersburg at Mandra in Attica.

Bulgaria, 1795, Zlata (Chryse) of Meglena, Bulgaria, virgin martyr crowns, disowns parents and siblings for Christ and MOG
Meglena (Meglen), Macedonia or Bulgaria; New Martyr Chryse (Zlata) of Meglena, Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 13; Holy Virgin Martyr Zlata, that “golden vessel of virginity, and undefiled bride of Christ,” was born in the village of Slatena, in the Meglena diocese, on the border of Bulgaria and Serbia, when Bulgaria was under the Turkish Yoke. Her father was poor and he had four daughters. Saint Zlata was beautiful in appearance, and her soul was beautiful as well. From childhood she displayed an unusually strong character, and an unshakeable faith in Christ. certain Turk became obsessed with her, and kidnapped her one day as she was gathering wood with some other women. He brought her to his house, and repeatedly tried to seduce the maiden, and persuade her to convert to Islam, saying that he would make her his wife. Zlata, however, resisted and asserted: "I know only Christ as my Bridegroom, Whom I shall not deny, even if you tear me to to shreds." persuasion and flattery proved unsuccessful, the Turk began to threaten her with grievous torments. The glorious martyr was not frightened by these threats, however. For six months the impious Hagarenes1 tried to make Zlata accept their religion, but she remained steadfast. Then they ordered the saint’s parents and sisters to convince her to become a Moslem. Otherwise, they would kill Zlata and torture them. Saint's parents and sisters wept and urged her to deny Christ “just for the sake of appearances,” so that they might be spared torture and death. Saint Zlata was unmoved by their pleas, and replied, “You who now urge me to deny Christ are no longer my parents and sisters. Instead, I have the Lord Jesus Christ as my father, the Lady Theotokos as my mother, and the Saints of our Church as my brothers and sisters!” the Moslems saw that they could not weaken the Saint's resolve, they tortured her for three months, beating her with clubs. Later, they peeled strips of skin from her body so that the earth was reddened by her blood. Then they heated a skewer and passed it through her ears. nearby was her Spiritual Father, Hieromonk Timothy of Stavronikḗta Monastery on Mount Athos, She sent word to him to pray that she would persevere until the end. It was he who recorded her martyrdom. the Moslems fell into a rage at having been defeated by a woman, so they tied her to a tree and cut her virginal body to pieces with their knives. Her pure soul was received by Christ, Who bestowed on her the double crowns of virginity and martyrdom. Certain Christians gathered her relics secretly and buried them with great reverence. Saint Zlata suffered for Christ on October 13, 1795. The descendants of Hagar, the concubine of the Old Testament Patriarch Abraham. Translation of the relics of St Hilarion the Bishop of Meglin in Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 21;

Bulgaria, 1800, 19th Century Folder, National Awakening

Bulgaria, 1801, National awakening of Bulgaria, Early 19th Century
Bulgaria, 1800, National awakening of Bulgaria, early 19th Century; Venerable Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19; St. Demetrius, the New Martyr of Sliven, Commemorated on January 30;

Bulgaria, 1801-1814, New Martyr Ignatius, Bulgaria, confessed before kadi breaking earlier moslem promise, tortured, hanged
Bulgaria, 1801-1814, New Martyr Ignatius, Trnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2.3), Rila M, then Athos, father refused fight Serb Orthodox, Mother Sister b moslem, turned him in, escaped t Romania, then Athos, confessed before kadi breaking earlier moslem promise, tortured, hanged; Trnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2); New Martyr Ignatius the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 8; holy New Martyr Ignatius was born in the village of Eski Zagora in the Trnovo region of Bulgaria, and was named John in Baptism. he was still a young child, his parents George and Maria moved to the city of Philippopolis and enrolled him in a school there. he did well at school, he had a strong desire for the monastic life. reaching adulthood, he entered the Rila monastery in western Bulgaria. he was assigned to an Elder, with whom he lived in obedience for six years. the Elder’s strictness became unbearable, John returned home. that time the Serbs rose in revolt against the Moslem government. ’s father was asked to take command of an Ottoman brigade, but he refused to fight against other Orthodox Christians. Moslems attacked George with furious anger. He was stabbed and then beheaded. ’s mother and sisters were also taken by the Hagarenes, and they ultimately agreed to convert to Islam. fled and hid in the home of an elderly Orthodox woman. mother and sisters learned where he was hiding, and they told the Moslems. sent to capture him did not know what he looked like, so the old woman told them she did not know him. woman helped him escape to Bucharest, Romania, he became acquainted with Saint Euthymius, who would also endure martyrdom. did not wish to stay in Bucharest, however, so he left for Mt. Athos. the way he visited the village of Soumla, where he ran into his friend Father Euthymius again. that Euthymius had denied Christ and beome a Moslem, John became very sad and left the village. had not gotten very far when Turkish soldiers stopped him and took all his possessions. demanded that he convert to Islam, and in his fright he told them that he would do so. with this reply, they let him go. reached the village of Eski Zagora, where he met an Athonite monk from the monastery of Grigoriou. journeyed to the Holy Mountain together, and John settled in the Skete of Saint Anna. he met Father Basil. day John and Father Basil traveled to Thessalonica on monastery business. they were there the monks David and Euthymius of Demetsana suffered martyrdom because they were Christians. was inflamed with the desire for martyrdom. Basil, however, urged him to postpone his intention, so they returned to the Holy Mountain. A short time after this, Father Basil died. a monk from the Skete of Saint Anna told him of the martyrdom of the New Martyr Euthymius (March 22), was once more filled with zeal for martyrdom. was placed under the spiritual direction of the Elder Acacius, who prescribed for him prayer, prostrations, and reading the Gospel. time, John was found worthy of monastic tonsure, and was given the new name Ignatius. Elder Acacius blessed him to travel to Constantinople with the monk Gregory in order to bear witness to Christ. receiving the Holy Mysteries in Constantinople, Ignatius felt he was ready for his ordeal. in Moslem garb, Ignatius went before the kadi and proclaimed his faith in Christ. He told him how he had promised to become a Moslem when he was younger, but now he threw his turban at the kadi’s feet and said that he would never deny Christ. that Ignatius was insane, the kadi warned him that if he did not come to his senses he would endure horrible torments before being put to death. On the other hand, if he embraced Islam, he would receive rich gifts and great honor from them. courageous martyr told the kadi to keep his gifts, for they were merely temporal gifts. “Your threats of torture and death are nothing new,” he said, “and I knew of them before I came here. In fact, I came here because of them, so that I might die for my Christ.” Ignatius went on to call Mohammed “a false prophet, a teacher of perdition, and a friend of the devil.” Then he invited the Moslems to believe in Christ, the only true God. kadi then became so angry he could not speak, so he motioned for a servant to lead Saint Ignatius out of the room. Ignatius turned and struck the servant, then knelt before the kadi and bent his neck, as if inviting him to behead him then and there. Other servants entered the room, however, and dragged him off to prison. Ignatius was brought before the kadi for questioning. When asked who had brought him to Constantinople, he replied, “My Lord Jesus Christ brought me here.” the kadi urged him to reconsider, for he was about to experience unimaginable tortures. “Do not expect to be beheaded so that the Christians can collect your blood as a blessing,” he said, “for I intend to hang you.” replied, “You will be doing me a great service whether you hang me or put me to the sword. I accept everything for the love of Christ.” that he could not turn Ignatius from his Christian Faith, the kadi ordered him to be hanged. He was taken to a place called Daktyloporta, where the sentence was carried out. The martyr’s body remained hanging there for three days, then some pious Christians paid a ransom for it and took it to the island of Prote for burial. Ignatius gave his life for Christ on October 8, 1814. He is also commemorated on May 1 with Saints Acacius and Euthymius. head of Saint Ignatius is in the Monastery of Saint Panteleimon on Mt Athos.

Bulgaria, 1838-1841, Demetrius tNew oSilven, great story Moslem patience before martyr's execution
Bulgaria, 1838-1841, Demetrius tNew oSliven, Bulgaria (Tonsus River 1), after 8 years parents prayers answered, 2 sons born, first Stephen then Demetrius, both pious, D no school but memorized church, parents died, stephen tWallacia, Demetrius stayed in home, it collapsed, Moslems take land, D becomes servant to one, that family tried convert him, our religion given us by Lord Jesus Christ, yours by mere man, thrown out of house, became baker, D proclaimed Orthodoxy while selling bread iMarketplace, telling deficiencies of Islam, Moslems plan revenge, new Judge came tSilven, D chosen Baker for him by district Governor, knowing Judge would offer good stuff for conversion and hew would refuse, D sarcastic "Oh Sure", Moslems thought serious reply, began wrap turban, D threw turban tGround and ran, they could not catch him, D hid in village 3 days w/o food water, D told story to his bishop, bishop encouraged him with gold coin and wooden cross, D changed coin gave half to poor, turned himself in, back tSilven hands tied behind him, met Orthodox, said forgive me brother, giving self up for glory of our Faith, thrown into prison, asked for brother Stephen visit, refused but S learned tried to free, Judge (kadi) ordered D to him while J dining with officials, D says he never promised become Moslem, no intension, sorry for you taking my irony for truth, called Mohammed false prophet and followers sons oSatan, Kadi tells D he would be put to death if no conversion, back tPrison 3Days, refused conversion again, ordered execution, other christians heard and brought Stephen to him, D told priest Stephen he was afraid he would not endure, S urged him remain strong bear witness tChrist, D remained in prison whole year, tortures continued, no help from anyone, early in year Moslems shouted Kadi execute D, Kadi gives another chance to convert, refused again, Stephen brings confession and communion, Jan 30 1841 beheading, first strike failed, Christians soaked cloths in his blood, Stephen collected blood soaked earth, relics unburied all night, Moslems believe bodies those who insult Mohammed should not burried in earth, So thrown river next day, sufficient bribe Kadi released body burial in monastery garden ; Sliven; St Demetrius, the New Martyr of Sliven, Commemorated January 30 ; Holy New Martyr Demetrius was born on October 9, 1818 in Sliven, Bulgaria. parents had no children for the first eight years of their marriage. prayers to God were answered, and their sons Stephen and Demetrius were born. was the younger son, and was brought up in a pious manner. did not go to school, but he attended church frequently and memorized many prayers and services. their parents died, Stephen left home and went to Wallachia. remained in the family home, which soon collapsed because of its age. Moslems used this excuse to seize the surrounding property, and Demetrius became a servant to one of them. family tried to convert him to their religion, but Demetrius resisted such attempts. “Our Orthodox Christian religion was given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said, “while yours was given to you by Mohammed, a mere man.” threw Demetrius out of the house when they heard this, and he later became a baker. while selling his bread in the marketplace, Demetrius proclaimed the Orthodox Faith and pointed out the deficiencies of Islam. this outraged the Moslems, and they began to plan their revenge. new kadi (district judge) came to Sliven, and Demetrius was chosen to prepare the food. local beys (district governor) chose him because they knew he had insulted Islam. kadi offered him tobacco and liquor, but Demetrius said that he did not smoke or drink. he tried to leave, the kadi said, “Let me make you a Moslem. You see what a good life we have. If you convert, I will tell your master to give you his daughter in marriage, and half of his riches.” answered sarcastically, “Oh, sure.” this for a serious reply, one of the Moslems began wrapping cloth around the young man’s head in the form of a turban. threw the turban to the ground and ran from the house. of the Hagarenes chased him, but were unable to catch him. three days he hid in the village of Ichera without food or water. went to a bishop and told him his story. The bishop encouraged him to remain Orthodox, then sent him away with a gold coin and a wooden cross. the coin for change, Demetrius gave half the money to the poor. he went up to a Moslem guard and said that he was the one they were seeking. was escorted back to Sliven with his hands tied behind him. he met an Orthodox Christian Demetrius said, “Forgive me, brethren. I gave myself up to these ungodly people for the glory of our Faith.” Saint Demetrius was thrown into prison, he asked for his brother the priest Stephen to visit him. request was refused, but Father Stephen learned that Demetrius was incarcerated and tried to have him freed. kadi ordered Demetrius to be brought to him while he was dining with other officials. kadi asked Demetrius if he was willing to accept Islam. ’s holy martyr informed him that he had never promised to become a Moslem, and he had no intention of doing so. “If you took my irony for truth, I am sorry for you.” went on to call Mohammed a false prophet, and his followers sons of Satan. kadi told Demetrius that if he did not become a Moslem, he would be put to death. he sent him back to prison for three days to consider this. When he was brought before the kadi again, Demetrius refused to convert. Then he was ordered to be executed. the other Christians heard of Demetrius’s fearless confession of faith and his impending death, they brought Father Stephen to him. told the priest he was afraid that he would not be able to endure the tortures. Stephen urged him to remain strong and bear witness to Christ. Demetrius remained in prison for a whole year. tortures continued, and no one was able to help him. the beginning of the year, many Moslems gathered and shouted for the kadi to execute Demetrius. he summoned Demetrius before him. The fearless martyr remained unshaken in his resolve, and mocked their faith. the last time Demetrius was offered the choice of converting to Islam or being put to death. said he would remain a Christian whatever they did to him. Stephen came to the prison to hear the saint’s confession and give him Communion. the morning of January 30, 1841 Demetrius was brought to the place of execution. asked forgiveness of the Christians he met, entreating them to pray for him. Then they ordered him to kneel on the ground for beheading. first stroke did not sever his head, and he remained motionless. With the second stroke, the martyr’s head fell to the ground. Christians soaked cloths in his blood, and Father Stephen collected some of the blood-soaked earth in a box. holy relics remained unburied all night. kadi ordered the body to be thrown into the river the next day, Moslems believe that the bodies of those who insult Mohammed should not be received by the earth. a sufficient bribe had been paid, the kadi released the body for burial in the garden of the monastery. Demetrius now lives in the heavenly Kingdom, glorifying most holy Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit throughout all ages.

Bulgaria, 1866-1920, Nectarius, Met oPentapolis, engine start, wind stop, Malice, deposed, S director, incorrupt r
Africa, North Africa, 1866-1920, Nectarius Kephalas, Met oPentapolis, North Africa (Benhgazi), great wonderworker, modern times, fSelebria, Thrace, poor, tConstan fWork, captain tried start engines, nothing happened, A allowed on boat for free, job w tobacco merchant, wrote spiritual maxims on tBags, wrote letter to christ for shoes&apron, man sent him money, employer beat him but man told employer, holy land pilgrimage, storm, dipped his cross&commanded sea be still, it worked, however cross fell, knocking sounds, cross found, monk in 1875, Nea Moni in Chios, Deacon, Malice fOther Mets&bishops, deposed but not deranked, weddings baptisms wPermission, bore trial wPatience, others demanded reason, he left Alexandria for Athens, false rumors, no food, mistreatment by MoReligion, friend got him humble job aVitineia&Euboea, scandal followed, laughter wispers, returned tAthens, director Rizarios Seminary 1894-1908, retired to Aegina abandoned monastery, nun community, lighthouse for you, his holy relics, died at 74 in Athens hospital, paralyzed man next bed healed by his sweater, incorrupt relics in his Aegina grave, thousands of miracles before after death; Pentapolis, North Africa (Benhgazi) ; St Nectarius Kephalas the Metropolitan of Pentapolis, Commemorated on November 9 ; Nectarius, the great wonderworker of modern times, was born Anastasius Kephalas in Selebria, Thrace on October 1, 1846. his family was poor, Anastasius went to Constantinople when he was fourteen in order to find work. he had no money, he asked the captain of a boat to take him. The captain told him to take a walk and then come back. Anastasius understood, and sadly walked away. captain gave the order to start the engines, but nothing happened. After several unsuccessful attempts, he looked up into the eyes of Anastasius who stood on the dock. Taking pity on the boy, the captain told him to come aboard. Immediately, the engines started and the boat began to move. found a job with a tobacco merchant in Constantinople, who did not pay him very much. In his desire to share useful information with others, wrote down short maxims from spiritual books on the paper bags and packages of the tobacco shop. The customers would read them out of curiosity, and might perhaps derive some benefit from them. boy went about barefoot and in ragged clothing, but he trusted in God. that the merchant received many letters, Anastasius also wanted to write a letter. To whom could he write? Not to his parents, because there were no mail deliveries to his village. Not to his friends, because he had none. he decided to write to Christ to tell Him of his needs. “My little Christ,” he wrote. “I do not have an apron or shoes. You send them to me. You know how much I love you.” sealed the letter and wrote on the outside: “To the Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven.” On his way to mail the letter, he ran into the man who owned a shop opposite the one in which he worked. The man asked him where he was going, and Anastasius whispered something in reply. Seeing the letter in his hands, the man offered to mail it for him, since he was on his way to the post office. merchant put the letter in his pocket and assured Anastasius that he would mail it with his own letters. The boy returned to the tobacco shop, filled with happiness. he took the letter from his pocket to mail it, the merchant happened to notice the address. Astonished and curious, the man could not resist opening the letter to read it. by the boy’s simple faith, the merchant placed some money in an envelope and sent it to him anonymously. Anastasius was filled with joy, and he gave thanks to God. few days later, seeing Anastasius dressed somewhat better than usual, his employer thought he had stolen money from him and began to beat him. Anastasius cried out, “I have never stolen anything. My little Christ sent me the money.” the commotion, the other merchant came and took the tobacco seller aside and explained the situation to him. he was still a young man, Anastasius made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. the voyage, the ship was in danger of sinking in a storm. looked at the raging sea, and then at the captain. He went and stood beside the captain and took the helm, praying for God to save them. he took off the cross his grandmother had given him (containing a piece of the Cross of Christ) and tied it to his belt. Leaning over the side, he dipped the cross into the water three times and commanded the sea, “Silence! Be still.” once, the wind died down and the sea became calm. was saddened, however, because his cross had fallen into the sea and was lost. As the boat sailed on, sounds of knocking seemed to come from the hull below the water line. When the ship docked, the young man got off and started to walk away. the captain began shouting, “Kephalas, Kephalas, come back here.” The captain had ordered some men into a small boat to examine the hull in order to discover the source of the knocking, and they discovered the cross stuck to the hull. was elated to receive his “Treasure,” and always wore it from that time forward. There is a photograph taken many years later, showing the saint in his monastic skufia. The cross is clearly visible in the photo. November 7, 1875, Anastasius received monastic tonsure at the Nea Moni Monastery on Chios, and the new name Lazarus. Two years later, he was ordained a deacon. On that occasion, his name was changed to Nectarius. when he was a priest, Father Nectarius left Chios and went to Egypt. There he was elected Metropolitan of Pentapolis. Some of his colleagues became jealous of him because of his great virtues, because of his inspiring sermons, and because of everything else which distinguished Saint Nectarius from them. Metropolitans and bishops of the Patriarchate of Alexandria became filled with malice toward the saint, they told Patriarch Sophronius that Nectarius was plotting to become patriarch himself. told the patriarch that the Metropolitan of Pentapolis merely made an outward show of piety in order to win favor with the people. the patriarch and his synod removed Saint Nectarius from his See. Patriarch Sophronius wrote an ambiguous letter of suspension which provoked scandal and speculation about the true reasons for the saint’s removal from his position. Nectarius was not deposed from his rank, however. He was still allowed to function as a bishop. If anyone invited him to perform a wedding or a baptism he could do so, as long as he obtained permission from the local bishop. Nectarius bore his trials with great patience, but those who loved him began to demand to know why he had been removed. that this was causing a disturbance in the Church of Alexandria, he decided to go to Greece. arrived in Athens to find that false rumors about him had already reached that city. His letter of suspension said only that he had been removed “for reasons known to the Patriarchate,” and so all the slanders about him were believed. the state and ecclesiastical authorities would not give him a position, the former Metropolitan was left with no means of support, and no place to live. Every day he went to the Minister of Religion asking for assistance. They soon tired of him and began to mistreat him. day, as he was leaving the Minister’s office, Saint Nectarius met a friend whom he had known in Egypt. Surprised to find the beloved bishop in such a condition, the man spoke to the Minister of Religion and Education and asked that something be found for him. Saint Nectarius was appointed to be a humble preacher in the diocese of Vitineia and Euboea. The saint did not regard this as humiliating for him, even though a simple monk could have filled that position. He went to Euboea to preach in the churches, eagerly embracing his duties. even here, the rumors of scandal followed him. while he was preaching, people began to laugh and whisper. the blameless one resigned his position and returned to Athens. then some people had begun to realize that the rumors were untrue, because they saw nothing in his life or conversation to suggest that he was guilty of anything. their help and influence, Saint Nectarius was appointed Director of the Rizarios Seminary in Athens on March 8, 1894. He was to remain in that position until December of 1908. saint celebrated the services in the seminary church, the students, wrote several edifying and useful books. he was a quiet man, Saint Nectarius did not care for the noise and bustle of Athens. He wanted to retire somewhere where he could pray. the island of Aegina he found an abandoned monastery dedicated to the Holy Trinity, which he began to repair with his own hands. gathered a community of nuns, appointing the blind nun Xenia as abbess, while he himself served as Father Confessor. he had a gift for spiritual direction, many people came to Aegina to confess to him. Eventually, the community grew to thirty nuns. He used to tell them, “I am building a lighthouse for you, and God shall put a light in it that will shine forth to the world. Many will see this light and come to Aegina. ” They did not understand what he was telling them, that he himself would be that beacon, and that people would come there to venerate his holy relics. September 20, 1920 the nun Euphemia brought an old man in black robes, who was obviously in pain, to the Aretaieion Hospital in Athens. This was a state hospital for the poor. The intern asked the nun for information about the patient. “Is he a monk?” he asked. “No, he is a bishop.” intern laughed and said, “Stop joking and tell me his name, Mother, so that I can enter it in the register.” “He is indeed a bishop, my child. He is the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Pentapolis.” intern muttered, “For the first time in my life I see a bishop without a panagia or cross, and more significantly, without money.” the nun showed the saint’s credentials to the astonished intern who then admitted him. For two months Saint Nectarius suffered from a disease of the bladder. At ten thirty on the evening of November 8, 1920, he surrendered his holy soul to God. He died in peace at the age of seventy-four. the bed next to Saint Nectarius was a man who was paralyzed. As soon as the saint had breathed his last, the nurse and the nun who sat with him began to dress him in clean clothing to prepare him for burial at Aegina. They removed his sweater and placed it on the paralyzed man’s bed. Immediately, the paralytic got up from his bed, glorifying God. Nectarius was buried at the Holy Trinity Monastery on Aegina. Several years later, his grave was opened to remove his bones (as is the custom in Greece). His body was found whole and incorrupt, as if he had been buried that very day. was sent to the Archbishop of Athens, who came to see the relics for himself. Archbishop Chrysostomos told the nuns to leave them out in the sun for a few days, then to rebury them so that they would decay. A month or two after this, they opened the grave again and found the saint incorrupt. Then the relics were placed in a marble sarcophagus. years later, the holy relics dissolved, leaving only the bones. The saint’s head was placed in a bishop’s mitre, and the top was opened to allow people to kiss his head. Nectarius was glorified by God, since his whole life was a continuous doxology to the Lord. Both during his life and after his death, Saint Nectarius has performed thousands of miracles, especially for those suffering from cancer. There are more churches dedicated to Saint Nectarius than to any other modern Orthodox saint.

Bulgaria, 1876, April Uprising, Sliven, Bulgaria (Tonsus River 1)
Bulgaria, 1876, April Uprising, Sliven, Bulgaria (Tonsus River 1) Sliven; St Demetrius, the New Martyr of Sliven, Commemorated January 30 ;

Bulgaria, 1877-1878, Bulgarian Russian-Turkish War, with Bulgarians 3x number of Russians
Bulgaria, 1877-1878, Bulgarian Russian-Turkish War, with Bulgarians 3x number of Russians; Bulgaria, 1876, April Uprising, Sliven, Bulgaria (Tonsus River 1) Sliven; St Demetrius, the New Martyr of Sliven, Commemorated January 30 ;

Bulgaria, Roman Roads, Rivers, points (Clean)

Bulgaria, its Area, Very important in the Roman Empire

Bulgaria, 1st Bulgarian Empire, its Area, 681-1018

Bulgaria, 2nd Bulgarian Empire, its Area, 1085-1422

Bulgaria, Balkan Mountains, Area
Balkan Mountains, Area

Bulgaria (Rila Mountains, Upper Thracian Plain, South of the Danube)
Bulgaria ; Kutmichivitsa Region of Bulgaria; K Triangle, Kutmichevitsa triangle Saloniki-Skopje-Vlora;

Balkan Peninsula
Balkan Peninsula;

Danube River

Germania, not Germany, the fertile plain North of this Line, difficult to protect

Bulgaria, Northeastern Bulgaria, Povadiya River Folder, Black Sea

Povadiya River

Plisk (high point, first capital of Danubian Bulgaria, 681-893, Provadiya River Source)
Plisk;

Great Basilica, Pliska (Cathedral of First Bulgarian Empire) 864
Great Basilica, Pliska (Cathedral of First Bulgarian Empire);

Veliki Preslav, high point, Bulgarian Capital, 893-972 (Rivers Source)
Veliki Preslav, high point, Bulgarian Capital, 893-972;

Epivato Village, Black Sea, Bulgaria
village of Epivato, between Silistra on the Danube and Constantinople;

Mesembria, Thrace, Bulgaria
Mesembria, Thrace, Bulgaria;

Dobrogea, Bulgaria (on the Romania Border above Povadiya River Mouth)
Dobrogea;

Marcianopolis, Northeast Bulgaria (Lake Beloslav), Gov Tiris , bolt of lightning struck him on judgement seat
Marcianopolis (Lake Beloslav);

Myzean city of Udum, Bulgaria (Provadiya River Mouth, Black Sea)
Myzean city of Udum;

Udum, Bulgaria (Provadiya River Mouth, Black Sea)
Myzean city of Udum;

Varna, Bulgaria (Provadiya River Mouth, Black Sea)
Myzean city of Udum;

Bulgaria, Southeastern Bulgaria, Thracian Penninsula Folder, Via Engnatia (Clean)

Thracian Penninsula
Thracian Penninsula, also known as Thracian Italy; Martyr Emilian of Silistria in Bulgaria, Commemorated on July 18; Venerable Cosmas the Eunuch and Hermit of Palestine, Commemorated on August 3; Translation of the relics of St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on August 13; Hieromartyr Philip the Bishop of Heraclea, Commemorated August 20 ; Martyr Severus and 38 Soldiers in Thrace, Commemorated on August 20; St Barses the Confessor, Commemorated on August 25 ; St Liberius the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 27 ; 40 Women Martyrs at Heraclea, in Thrace, Commemorated September 1 ; Hieromartyr Cornelius the Centurion, Commemorated on September 13; Repose of St. Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on September 14; Martyr Theodotus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated on September 15 ; St Sebastiana the Martyr and Disciple of St Paul the Apostle at Heraclea, Commemorated September 16 ; St Nectarius Kephalas the Metropolitan of Pentapolis, Commemorated on November 9; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; St Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on June 13; Hieromartyr Eusebius the Bishop of Samosata, Commemorated on June 22;

Thracia, Roman Province in Bulgaria, Area
Thracia Roman Province Area;

Thracian Wilderness, now Central Balkan National Park
Thracian Wilderness, now Central Balkan National Park; Venerable Daniel the Stylite of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 11;

Moisia, Thrace (Moisi Tribe)
Moisia, Thrace (Moisi Tribe); Hieromartyr Apollinaris the Bishop of Ravenna Commemorated on July 23;

Drizipara, Bulgaria (on Via Egnatia, Martyr Alexander of Rome)
Drizipara, Bulgaria (on Via Egnatia, Martyr Alexander of Rome); Martyr Alexander of Rome, Commemorated on May 13;

Thracia, Bulgaria, Roman Province
Roman Province Thracia; Hieromartyr Cornelius the Centurion, Commemorated September 13 ; Martyr Demetrius of Thrace, Commemorated November 15 ; Venerable Daniel the Stylite of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 11 ; Martyr Alexander of Rome, Commemorated on May 13;

Perinth, Thrace, Bulgaria (on Via Egratia and Agean Sea)
Perinth; Hieromartyr Mocius the Presbyter of Amphipolis in Macedonia, Commemorated on May 11; Virginmartyr Glyceria at Heraclea, Commemorated on May 13 ;

Heraclea, Thrace, Bulgaria (Perinth, Via Egnatia)
Heraclea, Thrace, Bulgaria; Venerable Philotheus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 8 ; Virginmartyr Glyceria at Heraclea, Commemorated on May 13 ;

Selymbria, Thrace (Roman Road Via Engratia, Agean Sea)
Selymbria; Martyr Agathonicus of Nicomedia, and others who suffered under Maximian, Commemorated on August 22;

Anastasiopolis, Thrace, Bulgaria
Anastasiopolis; Translation of the relics of St Theodore the Sykeote, Commemorated on June 15;

Apollonia, Thrace, Bulgaria
Apollonia, Thrace; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated January 25 ; Martyr Zosimus the Soldier at Antioch, in Pisidia, Commemorated on June 19;

Malko Tarnovo (Southeastern Bulgaria, Thrace)
Malko Tarnovo; St Philothea of Thrace, the Protectress of Romania, Commemorated December 7 ;

Strandzha Mountains
Strandzha Mountains; St. Theodosius the Bulgarian, with his disciple Romanos, Commemorated on February 17;

Gregory of Sinai Monastery, Strandzha Mountains, Bulgaria, Concealed M, 1335
Gregory of Sinai Monastery; Strandzha Mountains; St. Theodosius the Bulgarian, with his disciple Romanos, Commemorated on February 17;

Bulgaria, Central Bulgaria, Maritza River Folder, south to the Agean Sea, Thrace (Clean)

Maritsa River

Rila Monastery, Bulgaria (Maritza River Source) 927
Rila Monastery ;

Philippopolis, Thrace, Bulgaria (Roman Road Via Militaris 5, Maritza River 5)
Philippoplis;

Plovdiv, Bulgaria (Roman Road, Via Militarius 5, Maritza River 5)
Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Saint Nectarius of Bitel, Commemorated on December 15; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 31 ; Venerable Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19;

Bulgaria, Central Bulgaria, Maritza River 5, Chepelare River Folder

Chepelare River

Thrace, Bulgaria (Via Militarius, Via Egnatia, Maritza River 8)
Thrace;

Thrace Region, Bulgaria
Thrace Region, Bulgaria; Seven Martyred Brothers: Orentius, Pharnacius, Eros, Firmus, Firminus, Cyriacus, and Longinus, in Georgia, Commemorated on June 24;

Battle of Maritsa
Battle of Maritsa;

Bulgaria, Thervingian Goths went to Bulgaria, Southeast of Germania
Transylvania; Thervingian Goths (Sweden), they went to Scythia; Venerable Isaac the Confessor, Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on March 22; At that time (364-378), the barbarian Goths along the Danube River were waging war against the Empire. They had captured Thrace and were advancing toward Constantinople.

Bulgaria, Central Bulgaria, Maritza River 9, Ardiscus River Folder

Ardiscus (Arda, Studen) River

Rhodope Mountains

Bulgaria, Central Bulgaria, Maritza River 10, Tonus River Folder

Tonsus River

Haemus or Balkan Mountains
Haemus or Balkan Mountains;

Upper Thracian Plain
Upper Thracian Plain;

Dirrachia, Bulgaria (Tonsus River Source)
Dirrachia, Bulgaria ; Venerable John (Koukouzelis) the Hymnographer of Mt. Athos, Albania, Commemorated October 1 ;

Stara Zagora, Bulgaria (Upper Thracian Plain)
Stara Zagora; New Martyr Triandaphyllus of Stara Zagora, Commemorated August 8 ; Holy Forty Women Martyrs and Martyr Ammon the Deacon, their teacher, at Heraclea in Thrace, Commemorated on September 1 New Martyr Ignatius the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated October 8 ; Venerable Romilus of Ravenica, Commemorated January 16 ; New Martyr Lazarus of Bulgaria, Commemorated on April 23;

Eski Zagora in the Trnovo region, Bulgaria
Eski Zagora; New Martyr Ignatius the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated October 8 ; New Martyr Ignatius the Martyr of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1;

Sliven, Bulgaria (Tonsus River 1)
Sliven; St Demetrius, the New Martyr of Sliven, Commemorated January 30 ;

Adrianopolis, Thrace, Bulgaria (Roman Roads, Tonsus, Ardiscus Rivers, at Maritza River 9)
Adrianople; Venerable Cosmas the Eunuch and Hermit of Palestine, Commemorated on August 3; Translation of the relics of St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on August 13; Martyr Agathonicus of Nicomedia, and others who suffered under Maximian, Commemorated on August 22; 40 Women Martyrs at Heraclea, in Thrace, Commemorated September 1 ; Martyr Theodotus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated on September 15 ; Repose of St. Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on September 14; St. Stephen of Serbia, œthe blind oneÂ, Commemorated on October 9; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22 ; St Athanasius the Patriarch of Constantinople; Venerable Athanasius the Younger the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated October 28 ; Martyr Maximus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated February 19; Monkmartyr Euthymius of Prodromou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on March 22; New Martyr Euthymius of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; St Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on June 13;

Edirne, Bulgaria, aka Adrianople
Edirne, Bulgaria, aka Adrianople; historically known as Adrianople (founded by the Roman emperor Hadrian on the site of a previous Thracian settlement named Uskudama)[4] is a city in Turkey, in the northwestern province of Edirne and East Thrace, close to Turkey's borders with Greece and Bulgaria. was the capital city of the Ottoman Empire from 1369 to 1453,[5] before Constantinople became the empire's capital. The estimated population in 2019 was 185,408. and etymology See also: Names of Edirne in different languages city was founded as Hadrianopolis (á¼‰Î´ÏÎ¹Î±Î½Î¿ÏÏ€Î¿Î»Î¹Ï‚ in Greek), named after the Roman emperor Hadrian. This name is still used in the modern Greek language (Î‘Î´ÏÎ¹Î±Î½Î¿ÏÏ€Î¿Î»Î·, Adrianoúpoli). The Ottoman name Edrine (Ø£Ø¯Ø±Ù†Ø©) derives from the Greek name. The name Adrianople was used in English until the Turkish adoption of the Latin alphabet in 1928, upon which Edirne became the internationally recognized name. Bulgarian: ÐžÐ´Ñ€Ð¸Ð½, romanized: Odrin (pronounced [ËˆÉ”drin]), Romanian and Aromanian: Odrina, Albanian: Edrenë, Slovene: Odrin and Serbian: ÐˆÐµÐ´Ñ€ÐµÐ½Ðµ, romanized: Jedrene, are all adapted forms of the name Hadrianopolis. Blessed Stephen, King of Serbia, Commemorated on July 19;

Bulgaria, Southwestern Bulgaria, Nestos River Folder (Aegean Sea) (Clean)

Nestos River

Rila Mountains
Rila Mountains; Repose of the Venerable John the Abbot of Rila, Commemorated August 18 ; Translation of the relics of Venerable St John the Abbot of Rila in Bulgaria;

Bansk, Southwestern Bulgaria (Bansko, in the Highlands, Nestos River)
Bansko; St Stephen Miliutin of Serbia, Commemorated October 30 ; Venerable Dragutin (Theoctistus in Monasticism) of Serbia, Commemorated on October 30 ; Venerable Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19;

Rhodope Region
Rhodope Region;

Meglen (Meglena, Almopia), Bulgaria or Macedonia (Axios River Mouth)
Meglena (Meglen), Macedonia or Bulgaria; New Martyr Chryse (Zlata) of Meglena, Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 13; Translation of the relics of St Hilarion the Bishop of Meglin in Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 21;

Bulgaria, Northern, Danube River 13.5, Rusenski River Folder (Clean)

Rusenski Lom River

Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior, Northeast Bulgaria (Lake Beloslav)
Marcianopolis (Lake Beloslav); Martyr Theodotus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated on September 15 ; St Sebastiana the Martyr and Disciple of St Paul the Apostle at Heraclea, Commemorated on September 16 ; Martyr Melitina of Marcianopolis, Commemorated September 16 ;

Moesia Inferior, Roman Province, Northeast Bulgaria, Area
Moesia Inferior, Roman Province, Northeast Bulgaria Area;

Moesia Superior, Roman Province, Northwest Bulgaria, Area
Moesia Superior, Roman Province, Northwest Bulgaria, Area;

Silistra, Bulgaria (Dorostolum, Danube River 14)
Silistra, Bulgaria (Dorostolum, Danube River 14);

Plisk (high point, first capital of Danubian Bulgaria, 681-893, Provadiya River Source)
Plisk; Martyr Boyan, Prince of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 28; St Nahum of Ochrid, the Disciple of St Cyril and Methodius, Equals of the Apostles, Commemorated on June 20 ;

Bulgaria, Northern, Danube River 13, Yantra River Folder, Trnovo (Clean)

Yantra River

Trnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2.3)
Trnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2);

Gabrovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 1)
Gabrovo, Bulgaria ;

Svishtov, Bulgaria (Yantra River Mouth, Danube River 13)
Svishtov, Bulgaria ;

Bulgaria, Northern, Danube River 13, Cherni Osam River Folder (Clean)

Cherni Osam River

Oltenia, Romania (Land of the Olt River)
Oltenia, Land of the Olt River ;

Bulgaria, Northwesterm, Moesia Superior, Roman Province, Area
Moesia Superior, Roman Province, Northwest Bulgaria, Area;

Thracian Wilderness, now Central Balkan National Park
Thracian Wilderness, now Central Balkan National Park;

Bulgaria, Northern, Danube River 12, Iskar River Folder

Iskar River

Sofia, Bulgaria (at the foot of Mt Vitosha, Iskar River 1)
Sofia, occupies a strategic position at the centre of the Balkan Peninsula ;

Lesnov, Sophia Province , Bulgaria
Lesnov, Sophia Province , Bulgaria;

Patriarchical Cathedral of Alexander Neversky at Sofia, 1882
Patriarchical Cathedral of Alexander Neversky at Sofia; Bulgarian Orthodox Church;

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia, Bulgaria, 1882
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia, Bulgaria;

Mount Vitosha (overlooking Sophia, Bulgaria)
Mount Vitosha;

Sofia (at the foot of Mt Vitosha, Roman Road Via Militaris)
Sofia occupies a strategic position at the centre of the Balkan Peninsula.

Roman Road, Via Militaris 4, Serdica or Sofia, Bulgaria
Roman Road, Via Militaris 4, Sofia, Bulgaria Sofia occupies a strategic position at the centre of the Balkan Peninsula, on Roman Road.

Skrino in the Sredets district [now Sofia]
Repose of the Venerable John the Abbot of Rila, Commemorated on August 18;

Sredets (Sofia, Iscar River 1), Bulgaria
Sredets, Sofia;

Iskar River Mouth (Northwest border of Builgaria) at Danube River 12

Vidin, Bulgaria (Iskar River Mouth, Danube River 12)
Vidin, Bulgaria ;

village of Slatena, Meglena diocese, on the border of Bulgaria and Serbia
village of Slatena, Meglena diocese, on the border of Bulgaria and Serbia;

Bulgaria, Western Bulgaria, Strymon River Folder (Clean)

Strymon River

Dragovistica River

Dolno River

Bulgaria, Western Bulgaria, Strymon River 6, Rila River Folder

Rila River

Bulgaria, Western Bulgaria, Strymon River 9, Strumitza River Folder

Strumitza River

Bulgaria, Via Militaris Folder, from Belgrade, Serbia to Adrianopolis, Bulgaia

Roman Road, Via Militarius

Hemus Pass
Saturninus and Traianus blocked the Goths near the passes of the Haemus, building a line of fortifications that repulsed the Gothic attacks. The two generals hoped to force the Goths to suffer through the cold winter and the scarcity of food in order to force them into submission; alternatively, the two generals planned to call back the sentinels, luring the Goths of Fritigern into an open-field battle in the plains between the Haemus and the Danube, where they were confident of winning.[2] Fritigern did not accept battle, but enlisted Hunnic and Alan reinforcements. Saturninus realised that he could no longer fight the enemy with his troops, lifted the block on the mountain passes, and retired.[3] magister militum per Thracias, Emperor Theodosius I, who had succeeded Valens after his death in the Battle of Adrianople, entrusted Saturninus to negotiate peace with the Goths: in October 382 he signed a treaty according to which the Goths were to live in the Low Danube as foederati. successful negotiation guaranteed Saturninus the imperial favour, and he was appointed consul for the year 383. Themistius dedicated to him a panegyric. 400 Saturninus was serving under the Eastern Emperor Arcadius, when the magister militum Gainas deposed and exiled him.

Bulgaria, Via Egnatia, Roman Roads Triangle Folder, Eastern Triangle

Kutmichevitsa, Southwest Macedonia or Albania (K Triangle Area)
Kutmichevitsa, (K Triangle Area), the northwestern part of the region of Macedonia and the southern part of Albania, broadly taken to be the area included in the triangle ; Equal of the Apostles Clement of Ochrid the Bishop of Greater Macedonia, Commemorated on July 27 ;

Kutmichevitsa Triangle - K Triangle
Kutmichevitsa triangle Saloniki-Skopje-Vlora; St Clement the Bishop of Ochrid and Enlightener of the Bulgarians, Commemorated on November 25;

Via Egnatia Folder (Main East West Roman Road, K Triangle)

Via Egnatia (The East West Roman Road, Eastern Triangle)
Key towns along the Via Egnatia East West Roman Road Listed from west to east: Ancient name Modern name Modern country Dyrrachium, later Epidamnos Durras Albania Claudiana Peqin Albania Apollonia By the village of Pojani (7 km W of Fier) Albania Masio Scampa Elbasan Albania Lychnida Ohrid North Macedonia Resen Resen North Macedonia Heraclea Bitola North Macedonia Florina Florina Greece Edessa Edessa Greece Pella Pella Greece Thessalonike Thessaloniki Greece Pydna Possibly Kitros, 6 km SW of modern Pydna Greece Amphipolis Amfipoli Greece Philippi 14 km NW of Kavala Greece Neapolis Kavala Greece Traianoupolis Traianoupoli Greece Kypsela Turkey Aenus Enez Turkey Aproi Village of Kermeyan Turkey Adrianople Edirne (not on the main Via Egnatia) Turkey Perinthus, later Heraclea Village of MarmaraereaŸlisi Turkey Caenophrurium Sinekli in Silivri district Turkey Selymbria Silivri Turkey Melantias Turkey Rhegion Kaekmece, 15 km W of Istanbul Turkey Byzantium, later Constantinople Istanbul Turkey

Via Egnatia - Bottom of the K Triangle Claudiana to Thessalonica

Via Egnatia - Pydna to Thessalonica

Via Egnatia - Kypsela to Perinthus

Via Egnatia - Enos to Kypsela

Bithynia, Roman Roads Folder

Connecting Rivers Route (Akarcay and Sakarya Rivers)

Great Road from Ephesus thru Colossae to the Euphrates at Melitine

Syria, Roman Roads Folder, from Cilicia to Lebanon, Kings Hwy and Euphrates River

Euphrates River Route

Roman Road, Sajur River in Syria, connecting Cilicia and Euphrates River 4 at Hieropolis and Pelion

Syria to Lebanon Pass, Orantes River Headwaters to Heliopolis, Barbara's Bathhouse

Syria, Roman Road, Cilicia to Gulf of Isska to Rossoa to Antioch to Orantes River to Lebanon Pass

Kings Highway (Nile River, Egypt to Euphrates River, Syria)

Armenia, Roman Roads Folder

Georgia, Silk Road Folder (to China to Turkey)

Silk Road South, Hindu Kush Mountains to Merv

Silk Road South, Kashgar, China to Hindu Kush Mountains (Tea Horse Route)

Silk Road North to Kashgar by north of the Taklimakan Desert route

Silk Road North to Kashgar by south of the Taklimakan Desert route

Silk Road North and North of the Tian Shan Mountains

Silk Road from Kashgar to Fergana Valley to Koland to Merv

Silk Road from Kashgar to Termiz to Balkh to Merv

Silk Road, Trabezon to Merv

Grand Trunk Road (between South China and Afganistan)

Grand Trunk Road (Southeast Asia to Afganistan)

Southern Silk Road

Southern Silk Road - The Tea Route (Hunnan to Bengal)

Cilicia, Roman Roads in Cilicia

Roman Roads in Cilicia, Connecting Antioch Cilicia with Antioch, Syria, Lebanon, and Kings Hwy

Roman Road in Cilicia

Roman Road in Cilicia - From the East, Connection to Great Road

Roman Road in Cilicia - From the West, Connection to the Great Road through Cicilian Gates

Roman Road in Cilicia - Connecting Tarsus and Antioch, Cilicia (Adana, Incirlik)

Roman Road in Cilicia - Connecting Comana or Cucusus with Antioch, Cilicia and Syria

Roman Road in Cilicia - Connecting Antioch Cilicia with Comona and Great Road

Cicilian Gates

Armenia, Roman Roads, Kizilirmak River Folder, Great Road from Ephesus to Euphrates, Cappadocia

Kizilirmak River

Armenia, Roman Roads, Euphrates Kizilirmak Rivers Folder, Great Road, Syria

Euphrates River

Euphrates River - Western Euphrates

Armenia, Roman Roads, Edessa and Melitene area Folder, Top Left of the Fertile Crescent

Edessa area of Euphrates River

Armenia, Roman Roads, Edessa and Melitene, Euphrates River Folder, Great Road

Armenia, Edessa and Melitene, Euphrates River 4, Sajur River Folder

Sajur River 1

Sajur River 2

Sajur River 3

Armenia, Roman Roads, Silk Road to Great Road and Yerevan Trade Route Folder

Silk Road Great Road Trade Route

Armenia, Roman Roads, Great Road To Yerevan Trade Route Folder - via Upper Euphrates

Great Road to Yerevan Armenia Trade Route via Upper Euphrates River

Troy, Roman Roads, Straits, Hellespont of Troy to Bosphorus of Constantinople

Troy, Roman Roads, Straits, Hellespont of Troy and Bosphorus of Constantinople

Bulgaria, Southeastern Bulgaria, Thracian Penninsula Folder, Via Engnatia

Bulgaria, Central Bulgaria, Maritza River Folder, south to the Agean Sea, Thrace

Maritza River Source (Rila Mountains)

Rila Mountains
Rila Mountains; Repose of the Venerable John the Abbot of Rila; Translation of the relics of Venerable St John the Abbot of Rila in Bulgaria;

Rila Monastery, Bulgaria (Maritza River Source) 927, St John of Rila
Rila Monastery ; Repose of the Venerable John the Abbot of Rila, Commemorated August 18 ; John of Rila, the great spiritual ascetic of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and Heavenly Protector of the Bulgarian nation, was born in the year 876 in the village of Skrino in the Sredets district [now Sofia]. he had been orphaned, the boy became a cowherd in order to avoid people. Once the rich man beat him for losing a cow with its calf. The boy cried long and he prayed, that God would help him. When he found the cow with the calf, the water at that time flowed high and strong in the River Struma. The young cowherd prayed, he placed his own tattered shirt on the water, made the Sign of the Cross over it, took up the calf in his arms and went with it, as though on dry land, to the other bank of the river where the cow was. rich man, hidden in the forest, was frightened upon seeing this miracle. He rewarded the youth generously, then sent him away from his home. Having given away his things, the boy left his village. Where and when the saint took monastic tonsure is unknown. the very beginning he lived an ascetical life on top of a high and barren hill, eating only wild plants. His cell was made from brushwood. After a short time, robbers fell upon him by night, beat him, and drove him away. Later, he found a deep cave and settled in it. Soon, his nephew Saint Luke also came to live there. secretly left the home of his parents and went into the wilderness where the Saint was living. After much effort, he succeeded in finding him. At first the blessed one, seeing him from afar, thought this was a demonic temptation, and so he prayed. Like many solitaries, Saint John was bothered by demons, who assumed the shape of wild animals and tried to force him to leave. As Luke approached, he made prostration and asked for Saint John's blessing. That convinced the ascetic that it was truly his nephew, and not a delusion. He blessed Luke and asked why he had come. The young man told him of his desire to share his way of life, and was permitted to remain. Luke emulated Saint John the Forerunner, who had lived in the wilderness from childhood. could not endure Saint John's holy life of prayer and fasting. Moved by the devil, an acquaintance of Luke's father found him overwhelmed by grief and upset by his son's disappearance, so he said, "Your brother John came by night, took your son, and has him even now. Unless you rescue the boy, he will become food for the wild beasts. Come, and I will show you where he is, and then you can go and take your child." Luke's father heard this, he became furious and cursed his innocent brother. When they came near the place, the acquaintance showed him John's cave from afar and departed. The brother went on and found the Saint. He reproached him, calling him a deceiver and an evil man who had stolen his son. tried to kill the venerable one with a heavy stick and some stones, but Saint John just stood there saying nothing. The father seized the boy and took him from the wilderness, intending to bring him back to the world. The blessed man, knew that the child would fall into the snares of the devil, was overcome with sorrow and tears. Hefell to his knees and prayed: "Lord Jesus Christ, behold the affliction of my heart, and grant me a sign of Thy mercy. Thou hast said, 'Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven' (Matthew 19:24). they had walked a short distance, a snake bit Luke, and at once he died a painless death. The father did not know what to do. He returned to Saint John and repented of his actions. With profound sorrow, he revealed what had happened. Saint John told him to bury the boy and return to his home. The Saint was comforted in his sorrow and he glorified God, because by means of a physical death, He had saved the child from the future death of his soul. Saint John often visited the grave of his righteous nephew, which became his favorite place of solitude. John spent twelve years in the desolate cave, and then he went into the Rila wilderness and settled in the hollow of a tree. He fasted and prayed a great deal, wept incessantly, and ate only grass. Seeing such endurance, God caused beans to grow, which he ate for a long time. The beans and his exploits made him known to people. a flock of frightened sheep ran along the hilly steep paths, and did not stop until the place where the monk lived. The shepherds, following after the flock, with astonishment saw the hermit, who amicably greeted them: “You arrive here hungry. Pick some of my beans and eat.” All ate and were satisfied. One gathered many beans in reserve. Along the way home he offered them to his comrades, but there were no beans in the pilfered pods. The shepherds turned back penitent, and the Elder stood there, saying with a smile: “See, children, these fruits are appointed by God for subsistence in the wilderness.” that time they began to bring to the monk the sick and those troubled by unclean spirits, which he healed by prayer. Fleeing celebrity, the monk went from his beloved tree-hollow and settled on a high and rocky crag difficult of access, where he dwelt for seven years under the open sky. Reports about the great ascetic reached even the Bulgarian king Peter (927-969), who wanted to meet him. Saint John wrote a letter, refusing such a meeting out of humility. on Saint John accepted under him the guidance of monks, who built a monastery with a church in the cave where Saint John formerly lived. He wisely tended his flock and died on August 18, 946 at 70 years of age. years before his end he wrote in his own hand “A Testament to Disciples,” one of the finest creations of Old Bulgarian literature. The holy life of the ascetic and the remarkable mercies of God through his prayers were a fine preaching of the Christian Faith in the newly-baptized Bulgarian land. In the uneasy time of struggle of Bulgaria with Byzantium, under the west Bulgarian king Samuel (976-1014), Saint John appeared to his disciples, commanding them to transfer his relics to Sredets (Sofia), where the Bulgarian Patriarch Damian (927-972) was hiding. It is presumed that the transfer of relics took place in the year 980. later, the right hand of Saint John of Rila was transferred to Russia (presumably to the city of Rila, where a church was constructed in the name of Saint John of Rila, with a chapel dedicated to the martyrs Florus and Laurus, on the day of their commemoration (August 18) on which he died). name of Saint John was known and loved by the Russian people from antiquity. Data about the death of the saint is preserved, especially in Russian sources (the Menaion for August in the twelfth century, in the Mazurinsk Chronicle). the year 1183, the Hungarian king Bela II (1174-1196), during a campaign against the Greeks, seized the chest with the relics of Saint John, together with other booty, and took it to the city of Esztergom. the year 1187, after he embellished the reliquary, he sent back the holy relics with great honor. On October 19, 1238 the relics of Saint John were solemnly transferred to the new capital, Trnovo, and put in a church dedicated to the saint. On July 1, 1469 the holy relics of Saint John of Rila were returned to the Rila monastery, where they rest to the present day, granting grace-filled help to all the believers. Icon of the Mother of God of the Seven Lakes, Commemorated on October 13 ; New Martyr Ignatius the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated October 8 ; Translation of the relics of Venerable St John the Abbot of Rila in Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 19 ; Blessed Peter the King of Bulgaria, Commemorated January 30 ; New Martyr Ignatius the Martyr of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; Venerable Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19; Translation of the relics of the Venerable John of Rila from Trnovo to Rila, Commemorated on July 1;

Maritza River 1 (Balkan Peninsula)

Maritza River 2

Maritza River 3

Maritza River 4

Maritza River 5 (Philippopolis (Plovdiv), Thrace)

Philippopolis, Thrace, Bulgaria (Roman Road Via Militaris 5, Maritza River 5)
Philippoplis; Martyr Severus and 38 Soldiers in Thrace, Commemorated on August 20; Martyr Theodotus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated on September 15 ; New Martyr Ignatius the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated October 8 ; Apostle Hermes of the Seventy, Commemorated November 5 ; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 8; New Martyr Ignatius the Martyr of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; Martyr Alexander of Rome, Commemorated on May 13; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 31 ; Venerable Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19;

Kuklen Monastery of St.St. Kosma and Damyan, Plovdiv, Bulgaria (Maritza River 5)
Kuklen Monastery of St.St. Kosma and Damyan, Plovdiv, Bulgaria (Maritza River 5) ; Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Saint Nectarius of Bitel, Commemorated on December 15; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 31 ; Venerable Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19;

Bitel (Butili) near Kuklen and Plovdiv, Bulgaria (Maritza River 5)
Kuklen Monastery of St.St. Kosma and Damyan, Plovdiv, Bulgaria (Maritza River 5) ; Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Saint Nectarius of Bitel, Commemorated on December 15; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 31 ; Venerable Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19;

Chepelare River Source (along the border)

Petritsoni (now Bachkovo) Georgian Monastery, Bulgaria, 1083
Petritsoni Georgian Monastery, Bulgaria (now Bachkovo); St John Chimchimeli the Philosopher, Commemorated on February 10 ; Right-believing Tamara, Queen of Georgia, Commemorated on May 1;

Bachkovo Monastery (Chepelare River 1)1083
Petritsoni Georgian Monastery, Bulgaria (now Bachkovo); St John Chimchimeli the Philosopher, Commemorated on February 10 ; Right-believing Tamara, Queen of Georgia, Commemorated on May 1;

Sardica, Lydia? Thrace, Bulgaria (Chapelare River, Maritza River 5)
Council of Sardica; St Cyril the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 18; Apostle Clement of the Seventy ;

Chepalare River Mouth (Maritza River 5)

Maritza River 8 (Thrace)

Thrace, Bulgaria (Via Militarius, Via Egnatia, Maritza River 8)
Thrace; Martyr Emilian of Silistria in Bulgaria, Commemorated on July 18; Hieromartyr Apollinaris the Bishop of Ravenna, Commemorated on July 23; Venerable Gregory of Sinai, Mt. Athos, Commemorated August 8 ; Translation of the relics of St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on August 13; Martyr Severus and 38 Soldiers in Thrace, Commemorated August 20; Hieromartyr Philip the Bishop of Heraclea, Commemorated August 20 ; Martyr Agathonicus of Nicomedia, and others who suffered under Maximian, Commemorated on August 22; St Liberius the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 27 ; 40 Women Martyrs at Heraclea, in Thrace, Commemorated September 1 ; Hieromartyr Cornelius the Centurion, Commemorated on September 13; Repose of St. Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on September 14; Greatmartyr Nicetas the Goth, Commemorated on September 15 ; St Sebastiana the Martyr and Disciple of St Paul the Apostle at Heraclea, Commemorated September 16 ; Martyr Melitina of Marcianopolis, Commemorated September 16 ; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22 ; St Nectarius Kephalas the Metropolitan of Pentapolis, Commemorated on November 9 ; Martyr Demetrius of Thrace, Commemorated November 15 ; Apostle Andrew, the Holy and All-Praised First-Called, Commemorated November 30 ; Venerable Daniel the Stylite of Constantinople, Commemorated on December 11 ; Venerable Nicholas the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated December 24 ; St Philothea of Thrace, the Protectress of Romania, Commemorated December 7 ; St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated January 21 ; Martyr Manuel the Bishop in Bulgaria, Commemorated January 22; St Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople, Commemorated January 25 ; Martyr Maximus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated February 19; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 8; Venerable Isaac the Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on March 22; Venerable Hypatius the Abbot of Rufinus in Chalcedon, Commemorated on March 31; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8; Martyr Pausilippus of Heraclea in Thrace, Commemorated on April 8; New Martyr Raphael of Lesbos, Commemorated on April 9; Monkmartyr Agathangelus of Esphigmenou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 19; Venerable Theodore Trichinas "œthe Hair-Shirt Wearer"Â and Hermit Near Constantinople, Commemorated on April 20; Right-believing Tamara, Queen of Georgia, Commemorated on May 1; Venerable Macarius the Archimandrite of Obruch (Kanev), Commemorated on May 13; St Achilles the Bishop of Larissa, Commemorated on May 15 ; Venerable Isaac the Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on May 30 ; Martyr Sophia of Thrace, Commemorated on June 4; Venerable Peter of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on June 12 ; Translation of the relics of St Theodore the Sykeote, Commemorated on June 15; Hieromartyr Eusebius the Bishop of Samosata, Commemorated on June 22; Seven Martyred Brothers: Orentius, Pharnacius, Eros, Firmus, Firminus, Cyriacus, and Longinus, in Georgia, Commemorated on June 24;

Battle of Maritsa
Battle of Maritsa; Venerable Romilus of Ravenica, Commemorated on January 16;

Maritza River 9 (Adrianopolis)

Ardiscus (Arda, Studen) River Source (Rhodope Mountains)

Ardiscus (Arda, Studen) River Mouth (Adrianopolis, Maritza River 9)

Maritza River 10 (Adrianopolis)

Tonsus River Source (Balkan Mountains)

Tonsus River 1 (Upper Thracian Plain, Stara Zagora)

Tonsus (Tundzha, Tunca) River Mouth (Adrianopolis, Maritza River 10)

Adrianopolis, Thrace, Bulgaria (Roman Roads, Tonsus, Ardiscus Rivers, at Maritza River 9)
Adrianople; Venerable Cosmas the Eunuch and Hermit of Palestine, Commemorated on August 3; Translation of the relics of St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on August 13; Martyr Agathonicus of Nicomedia, and others who suffered under Maximian, Commemorated on August 22; 40 Women Martyrs at Heraclea, in Thrace, Commemorated September 1 ; Martyr Theodotus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated on September 15 ; Repose of St. Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on September 14; St. Stephen of Serbia, œthe blind oneÂ, Commemorated on October 9; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22 ; St Athanasius the Patriarch of Constantinople; Venerable Athanasius the Younger the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated October 28 ; Martyr Maximus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated February 19; Venerable Isaac the Confessor, Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople, Commemorated on March 22 Monkmartyr Euthymius of Prodromou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on March 22; New Martyr Euthymius of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; St Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on June 13;

Jedirne, Bulgaria, aka Adrianople or Edirne or Hadrianopolis
Edirne, Bulgaria, aka Adrianople; historically known as Adrianople (founded by the Roman emperor Hadrian on the site of a previous Thracian settlement named Uskudama)[4] is a city in Turkey, in the northwestern province of Edirne and East Thrace, close to Turkey's borders with Greece and Bulgaria. was the capital city of the Ottoman Empire from 1369 to 1453,[5] before Constantinople became the empire's capital. The estimated population in 2019 was 185,408. and etymology See also: Names of Edirne in different languages city was founded as Hadrianopolis, named after the Roman emperor Hadrian. This name is still used in the modern Greek language. The Ottoman name Edrine derives from the Greek name. The name Adrianople was used in English until the Turkish adoption of the Latin alphabet in 1928, upon which Edirne became the internationally romanized: Jedrene, are all adapted forms of the name Hadrianopolis. Blessed Stephen, King of Serbia, Commemorated on July 19;

Battle of Adrianople, Gothic Civil War, 378, Fritgen over Athanaric, both Theringian Goths
Battle of Adrianople, Gothic Civil War; Greatmartyr Niketas the Goth, Commemorated on September 15;

Roman Road, Via Militaris 6, Adrianopolis, Thrace, Bulgaria
Adrianople; Venerable Cosmas the Eunuch and Hermit of Palestine, Commemorated on August 3; Translation of the relics of St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on August 13; Martyr Agathonicus of Nicomedia, and others who suffered under Maximian, Commemorated on August 22; 40 Women Martyrs at Heraclea, in Thrace, Commemorated September 1 ; Martyr Theodotus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated on September 15 ; Repose of St. Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on September 14; St. Stephen of Serbia, œthe blind oneÂ, Commemorated on October 9; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22 ; St Athanasius the Patriarch of Constantinople; Venerable Athanasius the Younger the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated October 28 ; Martyr Maximus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated February 19; Monkmartyr Euthymius of Prodromou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on March 22; New Martyr Euthymius of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; St Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on June 13;

Jedrene (Edirne, Adrianopolis, Thrace, Bulgaria (Tonsus, Ardiscus Rivers, at Maritza River 9)
Adrianople; Venerable Cosmas the Eunuch and Hermit of Palestine, Commemorated on August 3; Translation of the relics of St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on August 13; Martyr Agathonicus of Nicomedia, and others who suffered under Maximian, Commemorated on August 22; 40 Women Martyrs at Heraclea, in Thrace, Commemorated September 1 ; Martyr Theodotus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated on September 15 ; Repose of St. Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on September 14; St. Stephen of Serbia, ÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚Âœthe blind oneÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ, Commemorated on October 9; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22 ; St Athanasius the Patriarch of Constantinople; Venerable Athanasius the Younger the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated October 28 ; Martyr Maximus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated February 19; Monkmartyr Euthymius of Prodromou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on March 22; New Martyr Euthymius of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; St Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on June 13;

Maritsa (Hebrus) River Mouth (Aegean Sea)

Aenus (Ainos, Enos), Thrace, Bulgaria (Maritza (Hebrus) River Mouth, Roman Road Via Egnatia)
Aenus; Monkmartyr Agathangelus of Esphigmenou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 19; Martyr Sophia of Thrace, Commemorated on June 4;

Enos, Thrace, Bulgaria (Maritza River Mouth)
Enos, Thrace; Monkmartyr Agathangelus of Esphigmenou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 19;

Gallipoli in Thrace, Bulgaria (Dardanelles Strait, Troy)
Gallipoli in Thrace; Prousiotissa Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on August 23;

Hiraclea, Thrace, Bulgaria
Hiraclea, Thrace; Venerable Philotheus, Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 11;

Trajanopolis, Thrace, Bulgaria (Via Egnatia, Maritza River Mouth)
Trajanopolis; Virginmartyr Glyceria at Heraclea, Commemorated on May 13 ;

Bulgaria, Southwestern Bulgaria, Nestos River Folder (Aegean Sea)

Nestos River Source (Rila Mountains)
Nestos River Source (Rila Mountains);

Nestos River Mouth (Philippi, Thasos, Thrace)
Nestos River Mouth (Thasos, Thrace);

Bulgaria, Western Bulgaria, Strymon River Folder (Philippi, Roman Road, Agean Sea)

Strymon (Struma) River Source (Vitosha Mt., Bulgaria)

Strymon (Struma) River 1 (Pernik, Bulgaria)

Strymon River 2 (Zemen)

Strymon River 3

Dragovistica River Mouth (Strymon River 3)

Strymon River 4

Strymon River 5

Strymon River 6 (Rila, Bulgaria)

Rila River Source

Rila Monastery, Macedonia (Rila River Source) 927
Rila Monastery ; Repose of the Venerable John the Abbot of Rila, Commemorated August 18 ; Icon of the Mother of God of the Seven Lakes, Commemorated on October 13 ; New Martyr Ignatius the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated October 8 ; Translation of the relics of Venerable St John the Abbot of Rila in Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 19 ; Blessed Peter the King of Bulgaria, Commemorated January 30 ; New Martyr Ignatius the Martyr of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; Venerable Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19; Translation of the relics of the Venerable John of Rila from Trnovo to Rila, Commemorated on July 1;

Rila River Mouith (Strymon River 6)

Strymon River 8 (Kresna Gorge)

Heraclea Sintica, Thrace, Bulgaria (Strumitza Mouth, Strymon River 9)
Heraclea Sintica; Hieromartyr Philip the Bishop of Heraclea, Commemorated on August 20; St Anastasius of the Strumitza Eparchy, Commemorated on August 29; 40 Women Martyrs at Heraclea, in Thrace, Commemorated September 1 ; St Sebastiana the Martyr and Disciple of St Paul the Apostle at Heraclea, Commemorated September 16 ; Venerable Philotheus the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on October 8 ; Martyr Pausilippus of Heraclea in Thrace, Commemorated on April 8 ; Martyr Laodicius the Keeper of the Prison, Commemorated on May 13;

Strymon River 9 (Heraclea, Thrace)

Strumitza River Source

Lesnov Monastery, Bulgaria (High Point, Near Strumitza River Source)
Lesnov Monastery, Bulgaria; Venerable Gabriel, Founder of Lesnov Monastery in Bulgaria, Commemorated on January 15;

Strumitza River 1 (Strumica)

Strumica, Bulgaria (Strumitza River 1)
Strumica; St Anastasius of the Strumitza Eparchy, Commemorated on August 29; New Martyr Anastasius, a Bulgarian, was born in 1774 in the Strumnitsk diocese, in the village of Radovicha. His parents gave him over to military studies. When the youth was twenty years old, he happened to be with his teacher in Thessalonica. The master wanted to sell some Turkish clothes without paying the customary duty. He told his disciple to dress himself as a Turk and go into the city. The collectors of the duty stopped him and demanded the written receipt of duty payment. The youth answered that he was a Turk. Then the collectors demanded that he recite the salutation with the Moslem prayer. The youth became confused and quiet. They ordered him to appear before the commander, who in interrogating the martyr suggested that he become a Moslem. The youth refused, and they led him away to the chief tax-collector. official tried at first to flatter, then to threaten the martyr, who admitted his civil guilt, but would not agree to betray the holy Faith. The tax-collector made this known to the mufti, who in turn answered, “You have in one hand the sword, in the other the law, use what you wish.” knew that by law the tax-collector ought to collect the tax from the youth, but then by judgment of the mufti he would not be a follower of Mohammed, armed with a sword. When he had received such an answer, the commander of the haraje sent the youth to the local mullah together with five Turks, who were obliged to testify that the Christian had blasphemed the Moslem religion. the accusations of blasphemy against Mohammed by these witnesses, the youth honestly answered that he did not blaspheme him, but he would allow having shown disrespect to Moslem customs. They subjected him to torture and condemned him to hanging. Along the way, they continued to urge the martyr to renounce his faith, but bleeding and exhausted, he fell upon the wayside and died on August 29, 1794.

Strumitza River Mouth (Heraclea, Struma River 9)

Dremvitsa, Macedonia
Dremvitsa, Macedonia St Clement the Bishop of Ochrid and Enlightener of the Bulgarians, Commemorated November 25 ;

Strymon River 10 (Lake Kerkini)

Serres, Macedonia (fertile plain, Strymon River 10)
Serres; New Martyr Nicetas of Pojani and Serres, Commemorated on April 4; New Martyr Acacius the Martyr of Mt Athos and Seres, Commemorated on May 1;

Strymon River 11 (Serres)

Angitis River Mouth (Strymon River 11)

Strymon River 12 (Amphipolis)

Amphipolis, Macedonia (Strymon (Struma) River 12) Roman Road Via Egnatia
Amphipolis; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated July 30 ; Apostle Silvanus of the Seventy, Commemorated on July 30; Martyr Auctus at Amphipolis in Macedonia, Commemorated on November 7 ; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Hieromartyr Mocius the Presbyter of Amphipolis in Macedonia, Commemorated on May 11;

Strymon (Struma) River Mouth (Strymonian Gulf, Agean Sea)

Chrysopolis, Macedonia (Eion, Roman Road, Strymon River Mouth)
Chrysopolis, Macedonia (Eion) ; Venerable Philotheus of Dionysiou of Mount Athos, Commemorated on October 21;

Philippi, Eastern Macedonia, Trajanopolis in Thrace (Roman Road, near Strymon River Mouth)
Philippi; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated July 30 ; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated December 20 ; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; SILAS, MISSIONARY COMPANION OF PAUL, Commemorated January 26 ; LYDIA, DORCAS AND PHOEBE, CO-WORKERS WITH THE APOSTLES, 27 JAN. NT ; POLYCARP; Hieromartyr Polycarp the Bishop of Smyrna, Commemorated February 23 ; St Eustathius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated February 21 ; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 30; St. Lydia of Philippi, Commemorated on May 20;

Neapolis, Thessalonica (between Strymon and Nestos Rivers)
Neapolis, Thessalonica; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated December 20 ;

Stagira (ancient city), Chalkidice, Macedonia (Aristotle's home)
Stagira (ancient city), Chalkidice, Macedonia; Greece, 364 BC - 322 BC, Greek Philosopher and Scientist Aristotle; THOMAS AQUINAS, PRIEST, FRIAR, AND THEOLOGIAN (28 JAN 1274);

Bulgaria, Northern Bulgaria, Danube Rivers in Bulgaria Folder

Danube River in Bulgaria

Danube River 12 (Iskar River)

Iskar River Source (Dmaga Peak, Rila, Bulgaria)

Iscar River 1 (Sophia)

Sofia, Bulgaria (at the foot of Mt Vitosha, Iskar River 1)
Sofia, occupies a strategic position at the centre of the Balkan Peninsula ; Translation of the relics of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated August 30 ; Venerable Hierotheus the Younger of Iveron of Mt Athos, Commemorated on September 13; Greatmartyr George the New at Sofia, Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 26;

Lesnov, Sophia Province , Bulgaria
Lesnov, Sophia Province , Bulgaria; Venerable Gabriel, Founder of Lesnov Monastery in Bulgaria, Commemorated January 15 ;

Patriarchical Cathedral of Alexander Neversky at Sofia, 1882
Patriarchical Cathedral of Alexander Neversky at Sofia; Bulgarian Orthodox Church; Translation of the relics of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated August 30;

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia, Bulgaria, 1882
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia, Bulgaria; Translation of the relics of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated on August 30;

Sofia (at the foot of Mt Vitosha, Roman Road Via Militaris)
Sofia occupies a strategic position at the centre of the Balkan Peninsula. Repose of the Venerable John the Abbot of Rila, Commemorated on August 18; Translation of the relics of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated August 30; Greatmartyr George the New at Sofia, Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 26;

Roman Road, Via Militaris 4, Serdica or Sofia, Bulgaria
Roman Road, Via Militaris 4, Sofia, Bulgaria Sofia occupies a strategic position at the centre of the Balkan Peninsula, on Roman Road. Repose of the Venerable John the Abbot of Rila, Commemorated on August 18; Translation of the relics of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated August 30; Greatmartyr George the New at Sofia, Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 26;

Sredets (Sofia, Iscar River 1), Bulgaria
Sredets, Sofia; Translation of the relics of Venerable St John the Abbot of Rila in Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 19 ; Greatmartyr George the New at Sofia, Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 26;

Vidin, Bulgaria (Iskar River Mouth, Danube River 12)
Vidin, Bulgaria ; Venerable Romilus of Ravenica, Commemorated January 16 ; Saint Theodosius the Bulgarian, with his disciple Romanos, Commemorated on February 17;

village of Slatena, Meglena diocese, on the border of Bulgaria and Serbia
village of Slatena, Meglena diocese, on the border of Bulgaria and Serbia; New Martyr Chryse (Zlata) of Meglena, Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 13;

Danube River 13 (Oltenia)

Bulgaria, Northern, Danube River 13, Cherni Osam River Folder

Cherni Osam River Source (along the border)

Cherni Osam River 1 (Cherni Osam)

Cherni Osam River 2 (Moesia)

Moesia, Bulgaria (Cherni Osam River 2)
Moesia; Hieromartyr Apollinaris the Bishop of Ravenna, Commemorated on July 23 ; Martyr Pasikrates in Moesia, Bulgaria, Commemorated on April 24;

Cherni Osam River 3 (Slavyanovo)

Cherni Osam River Mouth (Danube River 13, Oltenia)

Bulgaria, Northern, Danube River 13, Yantra River Folder, Trnovo

Yantra River Source (Central Balkan Mountains)
Central Balkan Mountains, Stara Planina;

Yantra River 1

Sokolsky Monastery, Bulgaria (Yantra River 1) 1833
Sokolsky Monastery, Bulgaria; Icon of the Mother of God "Sokolsky", Commemorated February 1 ;

Gabrovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 1)
Gabrovo, Bulgaria ; Hieromartyr Damascene of Hilandar of Mt Athos, Commemorated January 16 ; New Martyr Lazarus of Bulgaria, Commemorated on April 23;

Yantra River 2 (Tarnvo)

Tarnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2.3)
Trnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2); New Martyr Ignatius the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 8; Venerable Parasceva (Petka) of Serbia, Commemorated on October 14 ; Translation of the relics of Venerable St John the Abbot of Rila in Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 19 ; Translation of the relics of St Hilarion the Bishop of Meglin in Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 21 ; Righteous Michael the soldier of Potouka, Bulgaria, Commemorated on November 22 ; St Philothea of Thrace, the Protectress of Romania, Commemorated December 7 ; St Sava I, First Archbishop of Serbia, Commemorated January 12 ; Venerable Gabriel, Founder of Lesnov Monastery in Bulgaria, Commemorated January 15 ; Hieromartyr Damascene of Hilandar of Mt Athos, Commemorated January 16 ; Venerable Romilus of Ravenica, Commemorated January 16 ; St Theodosius the Bulgarian, with his disciple Romanos, Commemorated February 17 ; The Burning of Saint Sava's relics, Commemorated on April 27;

Potuka, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2.3, across river from Trnovo)
Potuka; Righteous Michael the soldier of Potouka, Bulgaria, Commemorated on November 22 ;

Tarnovo Cathedral, 1000, 11th Century
Trovono Cathedral, 11th Century; Venerable Parasceva (Petka) of Serbia, Commemorated on October 14;

Yantra River 3

Nicopolis ad Istrum, Moesia (Gothic Settelment, Northern Bulgaria Wallacia)
Nicopolis ad Istrum, Moesia (Gothic Settelment, Northern Bulgaria Wallacia); Moesia; Martyr Sava the Goth of Wallachia, Commemorated on April 15;

Yantra River 4

Yantra River Mouth (Danube River 13)

Svishtov, Bulgaria (Yantra River Mouth, Danube River 13)
Svishtov, Bulgaria ; Hieromartyr Damascene of Hilandar of Mt Athos, Commemorated January 16 ;

Bulgaria, Northern, Danube River 13.5, Rusenski River Folder

Rusenski Lom River Source (Razgrad, Bulgaria)

Veliki Preslav, high point, Bulgarian Capital, 893-972 (Rivers Source)
Veliki Preslav, high point, Bulgarian Capital, 893-972; Blessed Peter, King of Bulgaria, Commemorated on January 30;

Plisk (high point, first capital of Danubian Bulgaria, 681-893, Rusenski Lom River Source)
Plisk; Martyr Boyan, Prince of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 28; St Nahum of Ochrid, the Disciple of St Cyril and Methodius, Equals of the Apostles, Commemorated on June 20 ;

Great Basilica, Pliska (Cathedral of First Bulgarian Empire) 864
Great Basilica, Pliska (Cathedral of First Bulgarian Empire); Equal of the Apostles Clement of Ochrid, Bishop of Greater Macedonia, and his companions, Commemorated on July 27;

Rusenski Lom River Mouth (Danube River 13)

Ruschuk, Bulgaria (Rusenski Lom River Mouth, Danube River 13)
Ruschuk, Bulgaria; St Demetrius of Basarbov in Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 26; Demetrius of Basarabov in Bulgaria lived in the wilderness as an ascetic near the city of Ruschuk, Bulgaria. He died in 1685. On July 8, 1779 his relics were transferred to Bucharest.

Basarbov Monastery (Rusenski Lom River Mouth, Danube River 13) 1185
Basarbov Monestary; St Demetrius of Basarbov in Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 26 ;

Danube River 14 (Bucharest)

Bulgaria, Northern, Danube River 14, Argus River from Bucharest

Dorostolum, Bulgaria (Silistra, Danube River 14.5, Southeast of Bucharest, Roman Fort)
Dorostolum (Dorostorum); Martyr Emilian of Silistria in Bulgaria, Commemorated on July 18; Martyr Dasius of Dorostorum, Commemorated November 20 ; Martyr Pasikrates in Moesia, Bulgaria, Commemorated on April 24; Martyr Dada at Dorostolum, Commemorated on April 28;

Silistra, Bulgaria (Dorostolum, Danube River 14)
Silistra, Bulgaria (Dorostolum, Danube River 14); Martyr Emilian of Silistria in Bulgaria, Commemorated on July 18; Martyr Dasius of Dorostorum, Commemorated November 20 ; Martyr Pasikrates in Moesia, Bulgaria, Commemorated on April 24; Martyr Dada at Dorostolum, Commemorated on April 28;

Danube River 15 (Overview 3)

Provadiya River Source (Studenitsa Monastery)

Epivato Village, Black Sea, Bulgaria
village of Epivato, between Silistra on the Danube and Constantinople; Venerable Parasceva (Petka) of Serbia, Commemorated October 14 ;

Mesembria, Thrace, Bulgaria
Mesembria, Thrace, Bulgaria; Greatmartyr Irene of Thessalonica, Commemorated on May 5 ;

Danube River ( North Border of Bulgaria)

Dobrogea, Bulgaria (on the Romania Border above Povadiya River Mouth)
Dobrogea; Martyr Emilian of Silistria in Bulgaria, Commemorated on July 18; St Germanus of Dacia Pontica (Dobrogea), Commemorated on February 28 ; Martyrs of Niculitsel, Commemorated on June 4;

Marcianopolis, Northeast Bulgaria (Lake Beloslav), Gov Tiris , bolt of lightning struck him on judgement seat
Marcianopolis (Lake Beloslav); Martyr Theodotus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated on September 15 ; Holy Martyr Theodotus suffered with Saints Maximus and Asklepiodote, at the beginning of the fourth century under the emperor Maximian Galerius (305-311). Eminent citizens of the city of Marcianopolis, Maximus, and Asklepiodote led a devout Christian life. By their example they brought many to faith in Christ and to holy Baptism. the persecution Tiris, the governor of Thrace, went around the city subject to him and persecuted those believing in Christ. He summoned Maximus and Asklepiodote before him and demanded they abandon the Christian Faith. When the martyrs refused, he ordered that they be beaten. a certain pious man named Theodotus, began to reproach the governor for his inhumanity and cruelty. They seized him also, and hanging him on a tree, they tortured him with iron hooks. After this, they threw the three martyrs into prison. Tiris traveled for two weeks more and took the holy martyrs along with him. the city of Adrianopolis he put them to still greater tortures, commanding that their bodies be scorched with white-hot plates. In the midst of their suffering they heard a Voice from Heaven encouraging them to persevere. After several days of torture they threw the martyrs to be eaten by wild beasts in the circus, but instead the she-bear released upon Saints Maximus and Theodotus began to cuddle up to them. Asklepiodote was tied to a bull, but she seemed to be rooted to the spot, and did not budge. Tiris resumed the journey and stopped in the village of Saltis before reaching the city of Philippopolis. Again he urged the martyrs to renounce Christ. When they refused, he ordered them to be beheaded. God’s wrath overtook him when a bolt of lightning struck him as he sat upon the judgment seat. St Sebastiana the Martyr and Disciple of St Paul the Apostle at Heraclea, Commemorated on September 16 ; Martyr Melitina of Marcianopolis, Commemorated September 16 ;

Myzean city of Udum, Bulgaria (Provadiya River Mouth, Black Sea)
Myzean city of Udum; St Sebastiana the Martyr and Disciple of St Paul the Apostle at Heraclea, Commemorated September 16 ; Hieromartyr Dorotheus the Bishop of Tyre, Commemorated on June 5;

Udum, Bulgaria (Provadiya River Mouth, Black Sea)
Myzean city of Udum; St Sebastiana the Martyr and Disciple of St Paul the Apostle at Heraclea, Commemorated September 16 ; Hieromartyr Dorotheus the Bishop of Tyre, Commemorated on June 5;

Varna, Bulgaria (Provadiya River Mouth, Black Sea)
Myzean city of Udum; St Sebastiana the Martyr and Disciple of St Paul the Apostle at Heraclea, Commemorated September 16 ; Apostle Amplias, commemorated October 31, Bishop of Varna per Wikipedia; Hieromartyr Dorotheus the Bishop of Tyre, Commemorated on June 5;

Provadiya River Mouth (Lake Beloslav, Black Sea)

Devnya River Mouth (Lake Beloslav)