Bulgaria Celebrates St. Stephen’s Day: Honoring the First Christian Martyr
Today, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Stephen, the holy protomartyr and archdeacon who became the first Christian to sacrifice his life for the faith. This marks the third day after Christmas and the final holiday in the Christmas cycle, symbolically closing the year before welcoming the New Year.
The name Stephen is derived from the ancient Greek word for "wreath," making this day special for those named Stefan, Stefka, and their many variations, including Stefi, Stefko, Steven, Stefania, Stefani, Stamen, Stanimir, Stanislav, Stanchi, and Svetlin....