Bulgaria celebrated the Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker with widespread church services, processions, and traditional rites honoring one of the most venerated saints in the Orthodox Christian world. The main festive liturgy in Sofia was led by Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil at the capital’s church dedicated to St. Nicholas, the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) reported.

Patriarch Daniil told worshippers that St. Nicholas remains a timeless example of Christian mercy and faith, qualities through which “his soul and heart became pure vessels for God’s grace.” He emphasized that the saint “performed countless miracles and continues to help people today.”

In his sermon, the patriarch recounted the story of Bulgarian sailor Nikolay Dimitrov, who miraculously survived a shipwreck in the Kerch Strait in 2008. Daniil said the sailor’s experience shows that even in the most desperate situations, one must never lose hope.

“Dimitrov survived after spending several hours in icy waters in the middle of winter — even his hair froze. He carried a small icon of St. Nicholas close to his heart and believed the saint would protect him,” the patriarch said. One passing ship failed to rescue him after a wave pushed him away, but a second vessel managed to pull him from the water. Although one of the rescuing sailors suffered severe frostbite requiring amputation, Dimitrov emerged without any illness — “no fever, no cold, nothing,” Patriarch Daniil noted.

The feast was commemorated across all Bulgarian dioceses. Festive liturgies, processions, and prayer services were held in Plovdiv, Varna, Ruse, Pleven, and other cities. In several churches, believers were able to venerate relics of St. Nicholas, while in Yambol and Petrich holy items were brought in especially for the occasion.

Metropolitans and bishops addressed congregations, reflecting on the saint’s legacy as a symbol of Christian compassion, humility, and care for others. Following long-standing Bulgarian tradition, many churches also blessed carp — a dish traditionally prepared for this feast. St. Nicholas is revered as the patron saint of sailors and fishermen, and fish symbolizes his protection. Historically, carp was the most common fish in Bulgarian waters, making it the centerpiece of the holiday meal. According to custom, families bring the carp to church to be blessed and later prepare it at home, often baking it whole or making the classic pŭlnen sharan (stuffed carp). The festive dish is believed to bring blessings and the protection of St. Nicholas for the year ahead.