The Rozhen Monastery Celebrates Its Patron Saint's Day
The Rozhen Monastery "Nativity of the Theotokos" will celebrate its patron saint's day today with a special procession. The procession will feature the miraculous icon of "Theotokos – Portaitissa" and a blessing of the sacrificial (kurban) meal.
The Rozhen Monastery has a rich history. It lost its independence in 1761 and became subordinate to the Monastery of Iviron. During this time, it received a copy of the miraculous icon of "Theotokos – Portaitissa." Legend has it that the original icon was painted by Luke the Evangelist. The copy in the Rozhen Monastery was made in 1790 by icon-painter Jacob Iversky.
This particular copy of the icon is unique. Unlike other copies, it is made of sacred iron and is surrounded by ten small compositions depicting its healing miracles. Every year, on the eve of the feast, many worshippers from Bulgaria and abroad offer gifts to the icon of the Virgin Mary and spend the night in the church.
The "Nativity of the Theotokos" is the largest monastery in the Pirin region. Its establishment is believed to date back to the 13th century, as evidenced by Greek manuscript copies. The monastery continues to be a significant religious and cultural center in Bulgaria.