Honey pots form candle lit crucifix as Bulgarian faithful honor Patron Saint of beekeepers скачать в хорошем качестве

Honey pots form candle lit crucifix as Bulgarian faithful honor Patron Saint of beekeepers

(10 Feb 2026) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria - 10 February 2026 1. Believers taking part in Orthodox service for sanctification of honey, gathered around tables of honey jars illuminated by flickering candlelight 2. High-angle view of cross formed by burning candles during liturgy 3. Various of Orthodox Priests conducting prayer during Mass 4. Various of people lighting candles 5. SOUNDBITE (Bulgarian) Peter Stefanov, Orthodox priest: “According to the story of Saint Haralambos, he anointed his wounds with honey and, by the power of God, was healed. For this reason, the faithful established the custom of blessing honey on this day with a special prayer and a dedicated prayer sequence in honor of Saint Haralampi. The Holy Liturgy is celebrated in his honor, and the Orthodox rite performed includes the blessing of the honey brought, through which beekeepers are also blessed.” 6. Floral-adorned icon of Saint Haralambos 7. SOUNDBITE (Bulgarian) Petar Stefanov, Orthodox priest: "Today we pray that God may bless the work and prayers of all who have brought honey to our temple for blessing." 8. Jars of honey and candles 9. Mid of Orthodox priests during liturgy 10. Wide of honey jars and candles placed in cross shape 11. Close of honey jars with candles 12. Various of liturgy 13. Close of candle 14. SOUNDBITE (Bulgarian) Rumen Gavrilov, beekeeper: “According to the canons of the Orthodox Church, consecrated honey is associated with health, and in this spirit it is used - especially in remembrance of Saint Haralambos, who was granted a long life. It is believed that those who partake of the blessed and consecrated honey of Saint Haralambos receive health, not only for themselves but also for their bees." 15. People lighting candles 16. Close of flickering candle STORYLINE: The positive effect of honey on human health is well known worldwide, but for Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria it has become an integral part of their cuisine and their church prayers. Orthodox Christianity is the main religion in the Balkan nation of 6.4 million, and every year on 10 February, worshippers celebrate a holiday traditionally associated with bees and honey. This is the Day of Saint Haralambos, the patron saint of beekeepers, when believers flock to churches across the country to pray for his protection of bees and their precious product from harmful chemicals and the effects of climate change. On Tuesday, the traditional religious festival drew dozens to the Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the southern town of Blagoevgrad. They filled the temple and lit candles on jars of honey to honor and show gratitude to their patron saint. Also known as the 'Lord of All Diseases', the faithful pray to Haralambos, who is renowned for his miraculous healings and unwavering faith. Nevertheless, this religious service is all about the bees and the honey they produce, and it is the only day in the liturgical calendar when honey is blessed with a special prayer after the liturgy. Rumen Gavrilov, a 69-year-old beekeeper, who has not missed a single prayer in honor of St Haralambos, firmly believes in the health benefits of bee honey. “Those who consume the blessed and consecrated honey are given health, not only for themselves, but also for their bees," he said. Illuminated by the flickering glow of candlelight, priests entered the church where there was a heady smell of incense wafting from a censer. AP video shot by: Valentina Petrova =========================================================== Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...