October 19. Day of St. Ivan Rilski the Miracle Worker, patron of the Bulgarian people.

He is the most well-known and respected Bulgarian saint, hermit and ecclesiastic. He was born c. 876, in a village close to the town of Dupnitza. Contemporary of Prince Boris, Tsar Simeon the Great and Tsar Petar, he founded the famous Rila Monastery, a stronghold of the Bulgarian letters and spirit. According to his passional St. Ivan Rilski performed numerous miracles, helped people in need, healed from dangerous illnesses. His fame spread far beyond the Rila Mountain and the borders of Bulgaria. His relics are treasured in the monastery.