/ world today news/ Athanasovden is celebrated every year on January 18. Both Anthony and Athanasius do not belong to the group of Bulgarian saints, but the people adopted them as their own after accepting Christianity.
Both saints were born in Ancient Egypt. Saint Athanasius is the spiritual successor of Saint Anthony. St. Athanasius was born into a poor Christian family – unlike St. Antony. From an early age he was fascinated by Christian ideas. This made an impression on the Archbishop of Alexandria, Alexander. After completing his education, St. Athanasius was appointed secretary to the Archbishop of Alexandria. A few years later in 319 young Athanasius was promoted to the priesthood – deacon. He was one of the participants in the First Ecumenical Council, which was held in the Asia Minor city of Nicaea in 325. One year after this historic event St. Athanasius was appointed archbishop of the city of Alexandria. Already as an archbishop, he opposes Arius and his teaching.
The very opponents of the official Orthodox Church, whose representative is St. Athanasius, convene a church council in the city of Trier. Its participants and their decisions are opposed to official Christian dogma. They see in the person of Archbishop Athanasius a real adversary, therefore they constantly weave intrigues against him. This had an effect on the emperor’s favor. He, for his part, sent him into exile several times.
During the years in which the famous priest was in exile, he devoted himself not only to evangelical preaching, but also to life writing. He wrote a biography dedicated to his spiritual predecessor St. Antony. After his next return, Athanasius’ health worsened and he died on 18.I.376. at the age of 76.
According to popular belief, the two saints are brothers. But in some places there is also a journeyman variant. Saint Athanasius, according to folk beliefs, is the patron saint of winter, snow and cold. It is also believed that the winter St. Athanasius takes off his coat for summer to come, and the summer St. Athanas dresses him for winter to come. It is not by chance that the proverb was invented: “Atanas gyaldi and yaz gildi”.
Athanasovden, like Antonovden, is also celebrated as a holiday of blacksmiths, ironsmiths, cutlers and smiths. The holiday is also celebrated to propitiate diseases. Loaves are baked, which are pierced with a fork, so that the children do not get pierced by smallpox. Traditionally, the meal includes chicken cooked with rice, which is distributed to relatives and neighbors for health.
On this day, nouns are Atanas, Atanaska, Nasko, Naso, Nasya.
On Athanasov Day in Varna from 9:00 a.m. His Eminence Metropolitan John of Varna and Veliko Preslav will celebrate a festive St. liturgy. Priests from the Diocese of Varna and Veliko Preslav, as well as from other dioceses in the country, will take part in it.
According to established tradition, after the service, a fish will be consecrated and distributed to all present. The new issue of the parish newspaper “Orthodox Voice” is also published for the holiday.
#Winter #takes #coat #Athanasovden
**How do the beliefs surrounding St. Athanasius as a patron saint of winter intersect with other Bulgarian folk traditions related to the changing seasons?**
## Interview: Unpacking the Tradition of Athanasovden
**Host:** Welcome to today’s discussion on Athanasovden, a fascinating holiday rooted in Bulgarian tradition and history. Joining me are Dr. Ivan Petrov, a historian specializing in Byzantine history and folklore, and Ms. Maria Georgieva, a cultural anthropologist focusing on Bulgarian folk traditions.
**Section 1: Saints and History**
* **Host:** Dr. Petrov, the article mentions that both St. Anthony and St. Athanasius, while not originally Bulgarian, were adopted by the Bulgarian people as their own. Can you shed some light on why this might be and how these figures became intertwined with Bulgarian culture?
* **Host:** Ms. Georgieva, the article describes St. Athanasius as a figure of great importance in early Christianity. Could you elaborate on his role in the First Ecumenical Council and the conflicts he faced with opposing factions within the church?
**Section 2: Folk Beliefs and Traditions**
* **Host:** Ms. Georgieva, the article mentions a popular belief that St. Athanasius is the patron saint of winter. How does this belief manifest in Bulgarian folklore and traditions surrounding Athanasovden?
* **Host:** Dr. Petrov, the article also mentions the association of Athanasovden with blacksmiths and the belief that it can ward off diseases. Can you delve into the connection between these seemingly disparate elements?
**Section 3: Recognizing Diversity in Traditions**
* **Host:** Both of you have spoken about the strong historical and cultural significance of Athanasovden. How do you see these traditions evolving in the modern world?
* **Host:** Ms. Georgieva, the article mentions different variations in beliefs about St. Athanasius and his relationship to St. Anthony. How do these variations reflect the richness and diversity within Bulgarian folklore and belief systems?
* **Host:** Dr. Petrov, what are some potential challenges or opportunities that arise when blending ancient traditions with contemporary perspectives?
**Section 4: Athanasovden Celebrations Today**
* **Host:** Dr. Petrov, the article mentions the celebratory liturgy held in Varna. How are Athanasovden celebrations observed in other regions of Bulgaria?
* **Host:** Ms. Georgieva, what are some of the key elements that contribute to the enduring appeal of Athanasovden celebrations in modern Bulgarian society?
**Host:** Dr. Petrov and Ms. Georgieva, thank you both for sharing your valuable insights into this multifaceted holiday. We hope this discussion helps our audience appreciate the depth and significance of Athanasovden in Bulgarian culture.
