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RILA MIRACLE-WORKER PILGRIMAGE ROUTE 1–6 August

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RILA MIRACLE-WORKER PILGRIMAGE ROUTE 1–6 August RILA MIRACLE-WORKER PILGRIMAGE ROUTE 1–6 august RILA MIRACLE-WORKER PILGRIMAGE ROUTE This pilgrimage is jointly organised by the Theology Faculty of the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia and the church St Sofia; it is supported by the Municipality of Sofia, with the blessing of the holy Bishopric of Sofia. RILA MIRACLE-WORKER MUNICIPALITY OF SOFIA THE THEOLOGY FACULTY PILGRIMAGE ROUTE TOURIST SERVICES MUNICIPAL ENTERPRISE OF THE ST KLIMENT OHRIDSKI 44 Oborishte St., Sofia 1505, Phone: +359 2 943 47 2, fax: +359 2 943 47 68 UNIVERSITY OF SOFIA e-mail: [email protected] www.uni-sofia.bg TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE 22 Tsar Osvoboditel Bul. (in the subway at St Kliment Ohridski Sofia University), Sofia Phone.: +359 2 491 83 44, +359 2 491 83 45, e-mail: [email protected], Fb: InformationCentreSofia www.info-sofia.bg, www.visitsofia.bg Free distribution Free Dear friend, It is well known that the greatest sanctuary for us as Bulgarians, the true spiritual heart of Bulgaria is the Saint of the Rila Mountain and his monas- tery. By tradition of our Orthodox ancestors, the worship of his holy relics is something each of us is called to do. The relics of St John of Rila charge us with blessed power to go ahead and follow the way of our Holy Fathers. Countless miracles have marked this heavenly intercession of the Saint for all those who proceed in faith to him. Today the improved transport options allow us to visit his monastery more often. Over the centuries, however, reaching the Rila Desert constituted a genuine spiritual feat – not only be- cause of the long distance and the difficulties along the way, but mainly because one had to devote special time to the Saint, change his usual daily rhythm, pause, pray, come out of his spiritual lethargy and strengthen his faith... We are glad to announce that the first step has been made towards the restoration of an old pilgrimage route to Rila sanctuary, which strengthens, helps and unites all Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria. With the recovery of this pilgrimage route we want to empower all those experiencing spiritual thirst, to quench it with grace from the very source of holiness. Let this route be the route of our common prayer of gratitude to the pursuit of spiritual wisdom and healing... It is a difficult and lengthy route, it takes patience and skill to save our strength, but most of all it needs prayer, strong prayer to beg help of grace from the Lord. The Savior said: ‘And whosoever shall compel thee to go with him one mile, go with him two’ (Matt. 5:41). We believe that the second mile is a mile of faith, of love and truth that will make us free. But at the same time, not the number of miles is important, but above all adherence to the Route. We will be grateful to everyone who make a small step together with us, as this is how every route starts. If God gave time, anyone would later do the second, third step, and would confidently stride towards Truth and Life. We want our way to the Saint and holiness be a real sacred deed – with the cross, icon and banners of St John of Rila ahead. May the Akathist Hymn of the Saint be the words that we say repeatedly during these blessed days. Let this prayer of ours, the liturgy and the blessing ceremony of Rila waters bless mountains and valleys, rocks and forests, cities and villages, and above all – sanctify the soul of each one of us. We realize that ‘the beginning of the path is not yet the path itself’ (St Basil the Great, Hexameron), so we go along with humility but also with hope and faith in the miracle – let the Or- thodox Christians from every Bulgarian corner take the route to our Patron. May God help us, with the prayers of St John of Rila the Miracle-Worker! RILA MIRACLE-WORKER PILGRIMAGE ROUTE RILA MIRACLE-WORKER PILGRIMAGE ROUTE 1-6 august 1-6 august.
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