Saint John of Rila
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| Saint John of Rila | |
| Feast Day | August 19 (dormition); October 19 (translation of relics) |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Bulgaria; Bulgarian people |
| Birthplace | Skryn, Sofia Province, First Bulgarian Empire |
| Death Place | Rila Monastery, Kyustendil Province, First Bulgarian Empire |
| Cause of Death | natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | Rila Monastery, Rila, Bulgaria |
Saint John of Rila (Bulgarian: Свети Иван Рилски; c. 876 – 16 August 946), also known as Saint Ivan of Rila, was a 10th-century Bulgarian hermit and monk, venerated as the patron saint of the Bulgarian people and founder of the Rila Monastery, the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria.[1] Born in the village of Skrino near Dupnitsa during the reign of Boris I, John orphaned young, worked as a shepherd, then became a priest before embracing the eremitic life in the Rila Mountains around age 25, living in caves and hollow trees while fasting and praying.[2] Disciples gathered around him, leading to the foundation of the Rila Monastery c. 930–941, where he served as spiritual father until his death on 16 August 946.[3]
Venerated immediately after death, John’s relics were translated multiple times—Sofia (1183), Tarnovo (1195), and back to Rila (1469)—and became a national symbol during Ottoman rule. Recognized as a saint by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church from the 10th century without formal canonization, his primary feast is 19 October (translation of relics), with dormition on 16 August.[4] While hagiographic traditions describe miraculous healings, taming wild animals, and protection of the monastery—these derive from 12th–15th century vitae rather than contemporary records—his verified legacy lies in establishing Bulgarian monasticism.
Biography
Birth
No exact date is recorded. Saint John was born c. 876 in Skrino (formerly Skrin) near Dupnitsa, First Bulgarian Empire.
Early Life
Orphaned young, John worked as a shepherd before becoming a priest and embracing asceticism in the Rila wilderness.
Occupation
Hermit and spiritual father; founder of Rila Monastery.
Vocation
John’s vocation was radical hesychasm: living in caves, fasting, and prayer, attracting disciples who formed the monastery.
Death
Saint John died peacefully on 16 August 946 in his mountain cell at age 70.[5]
Saint John of Rila met his end peacefully in old age.
Significant events
- Began eremitic life c. 900.
- Founded Rila Monastery c. 930–941.
- Died 16 August 946.
- Relics translated to Sofia 1183, Tarnovo 1195, Rila 1469.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: None
Death location: Rila Monastery, Kyustendil Province, First Bulgarian Empire
Notable location: Hermitage and tomb (Rila Monastery, 2643 Rila, Bulgaria)
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Shrines
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Canonization
As a 10th-century ascetic, Saint John was venerated immediately after death without formal canonization.
Miracles
Traditions include:
- Healing of the sick.
- Taming of wild beasts.
- Protection of monastery.
Patronage
Saint John of Rila is patron of Bulgaria and the Bulgarian people.
Feast day
August 16 (dormition); October 19 (translation)
Veneration
Saint John of Rila is venerated with national pilgrimage to Rila Monastery on 19 October. Relics in monastery church.
External links
References
- ↑ "St. John of Rila". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08461b.htm.
- ↑ "Saint John of Rila". Orthodox Church in America. https://oca.org/saints/lives/2025/08/19/102350-saint-john-of-rila.
- ↑ "Saint John of Rila". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-John-of-Rila.
- ↑ "St. John of Rila". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=6990.
- ↑ "Saint John of Rila". Orthodox Church in America. https://oca.org/saints/lives/2025/08/19/102350-saint-john-of-rila.