Yesterday was a chance to visit some Saints and get to a new church in the process. I also had to take care of a few things before I left, so by my standards I got off to a late start.
Before I dive into the day, I want to explain a few things for new readers, especially those not of traditional Christianity. I’ve found that for all a number of Protestant churches are named after saints (Saint James, Saint George, Saint Joseph, etc.) it almost seems as if it is a lip service. I know from my own upbringing in the Methodist church that it seems like saints are almost an afterthought, both in concept of how one becomes a saint and why they are important.
The fact is, saints are role models for Christians in terms of how to live one’s life — and to die for Christianity if need be. Every Christian is called by scripture and tradition to live as saints-in-training and to strive to live such a life as fully and completely as we can.
A very common misconception is that saints were born saints and lived as saints from infancy. That is not the case for many if not most, as anyone who has looked at the life of Saint Paul (Saul), Saint Moses the Black, the original Saint George, and a host of others. They led rather unsaintly lives up until the time they met and accepted Christ. For some, even then, it was a struggle. I strongly suspect that for many of us it was, is, or will be a struggle as the evil one really doesn’t like to see you go, much less let you go without a fight.
In many respects, that fight, that charge to live a Christian life despite the temptations of the world and the evil one is the truly important part. They stand as beacons, challenges even, that if they can do it, you can do it too. You see a pale (and debased IMO) imitation of this in the way society looks at major sport or entertainment figures. For Christians, the saints are the ‘rock stars’ who’s poster is on the wall to inspire you. Forgive me that analogy, but it is apt for most of society.
Contrary to any ignorant or malicious charges, we don’t worship the saints. They are not God. However, they are the only people we know for sure are with God in Heaven given that Judgement Day has not yet taken place (at least in terms of Chronos, the time of the world). What we do is ask them to pray for us and to intercede on our behalf with God since they are there and by their lives and actions they have the boldness to do so.
There is a lot more I could say right now; but, those things really are a topic for another day. Books have been written on the subject, but the above lays the groundwork for how I spent my day yesterday. The only other thing I will add right now is that for many people, a relationship develops with one or more saints. Traditional Christians believe that there is real communication (again, topic for another day or post) though it isn’t like picking up a telephone.
For me, one of the first saints I “met” when I joined the Orthodox Church was Saint Xenia of Petersburg. An icon of her hangs in our church and something about it spoke to me, and I inquired of my Godfather (a priest) about her (and ended up getting homework, a not unusual occurrence). The more I’ve learned, the more I’ve come to appreciate and respect her and her life. She chose one of the hardest paths in life, which is to be a Fool for Christ. Again, topic for another day, but I want to note strongly that those on that path accept training before embarking upon it.
Back on track, I talk to her. I share things with her, and ask her pretty much every day for her prayers and intercessions with God. The rest is personal, though I will say I can usually tell if I’ve messed up and gone astray. She was known to have a sharp tongue on occasion in life, and I don’t think that has changed.
Thing is, most interactions are personal though some saints seem to have a larger presence than others. It’s hard to describe, but more people recognize that saintliness and power, and less personal connection seems to be needed at the start. Thing is, once you ask them to pray for you and to intercede with God on a problem or issue and you get a result, you can face a choice. For some people, it’s a one and done thing. For others, it is the start of something more.
Yesterday, I started my day by visiting Saint Seraphim of Sofia. I delivered letters requesting prayers and intercessions that were sent with me, including my own. Even before I arrived here, I had heard a number of stories about those asking for his prayers and intercession on problems. I’ve heard even more since landing, and there is a steady stream of people coming in to either deliver letters or write them on the spot.
I won’t go into too many details, but I asked for prayers and intercessions on behalf of a number of people, and one request I will share is that I asked for his help with my seminary course and any future studies. He is reported to have a soft spot for students given some of his own academic trials and tribulations, and quite a few students visit him to ask for help. Again, they are not asking him to do magic; but, to pray for and intercede with God on their behalf. Sometimes such things do result in miracles. I believe in them, as I’m sorta living one.
Without saying too much, it was a very moving experience. If you are in Sofia, whether you are of the Christian faith or not, take the time to visit, be respectful, and be open. I don’t think you will regret it.
My next stop was at Saint George’s Church. It is the oldest surviving structure in Sofia (Serdika) being built in Roman times (200s best guess) and surrounded by Roman ruins. It is also surrounded by the Presidential Palace, administrative buildings, and a high-end hotel. It is a little surreal walking past the ceremonial guard for the President/Presidential Palace and through a car tunnel to get to the central courtyard with the Church and ruins. There is more security than meets the eye, but I dare you to try that in DC.
It most likely was not built originally as a Church. Some theorize it was first build as part of the Roman baths. Others hold it was originally built as a baptistry. Side note: Baptisms were not originally performed in the Church. Running water, as in a river, was common but what emerged was a separate building called a baptistry where baptisms were performed. Another side note: baptisms were done in the nude, as that is how John the Baptist did it and how it was done to the Lord. Naked you come into the world. Naked you wash off the world and come into the world of Christ. Glad that’s changed as no one needs the mental trauma of seeing me naked.
It is a very rare round church, and it is impressive in it’s simplicity. I very much would like to attend a service there, plan to work on that. You can still see parts of the original interior inside. Once it was understood I was Orthodox (lots of tourists, not all of whom show respect alas) I spent time there in prayer and then lit candles with prayers. Yes, I’m doing a lot of that as it is what this trip is about.
I also spent some time at the grave of the Bulgarian Saint George. Named for the original Saint George (and former Roman soldier), he is remembered as a handsome youth who was beloved of the people. He was also an open Christian under the rule of the Ottoman Turks, who wanted him to convert to Islam. As always, that means convert or die.
Here, the accounts vary but all agree on one thing: when blandishments failed, they went (as usual) to torture. All accounts seem to agree they were rather severe though specifics vary. All agree he was tossed alive into a fire and burned/cooked to death. I say cooked as that was often done by the Ottoman Turks even into the 1800s. Look up the account of the Greek revolutionary who was tortured (apparently including some flaying), impaled, and then cooked over a slow fire with the impalement rod used as a spit. Charming people.
The grave to his right is believed to be that of his mother. According to several histories, she was dead before his martyrdom; but, according to local beliefs she was brought in by the Turks to try to get him to agree to convert. Instead, she is reported to have said, in essence, don’t you dare and so was tortured to death alongside him.
Afterwards, I had to do a little bit of shopping. The apartment is wonderful, but for my cooking I need a bit more than the typical tourist. I also had some things I thought would be handy to have so set out to get them. One was an umbrella as today and tomorrow are supposed to be cold and rainy. And I mean cold as down into the 30s overnight. May not sleep with the windows open tonight. I was very disappointed that the gentleman selling fuzzy slippers wasn’t open yesterday.
I went back to the store where I got my storage containers the other day and got a container to hold my spices. Instead of jars, spices are mostly sold in pouches, and I wanted something to hold them. The first pouch you see is the unofficial official spice blend of Bulgaria and used with everything. The rest are in alphabetical order. Yes, I am somewhat compulsive and yes anal-retentive is indeed hyphenated.
I also picked up a bathrobe, though it is more than I wanted. Both in price and style. Came close to giving an unintentional show the other day, and decided to splurge. I turned down one that was hooded and trimmed in gold as I could hear my friend Sergei giving me heck and yes I would have looked like a pimp in it. Heck, I should just go full Slav and wear track suits if I had gotten it. By the way, Sergei confirmed he would have given me unending grief had I gotten it. And, yes, I did indeed see someone wear their formal track suit to the service at the Cathedral on Sunday. Sigh.
Also, one of my new local friends has given me some cheerful grief over having not one, but two Billa bags. Billa is a chain store and having bags from them has earned me the equivalent of redneck status. Or at least thorough assimilation. A former defense minister here is still mocked in memes for showing up in Washington carrying a Billa bag as he came down the steps from his plane to meet the diplomats greeting him.
I’m working today on coursework and resting up a bit. To be honest, I dehydrated rather badly last week. When traveling, I like to stay right on the line as getting to restrooms between flights can be a challenge, and airplane toilets are best avoided. I then pushed out here and tried to keep riding the line as you can’t always find a restroom when you need it. Or, it takes some time to find where they are and gain access. Thanks to a very kind waitress I now have the code to one near several of the churches I am at on a regular basis.
Saturday I pushed it, and that wasn’t bright. I had been putting off taking one prescription as taking it while dehydrated is, to be polite, highly contraindicated. Worked on getting rehydrated Sunday afternoon, pushed it a bit again yesterday; and, today took the pill and have been pushing fluids as it really went to town.
Besides, it is what the Scot’s would call “a wee gra da” as in a small gray day. Raining and cold, going to get colder, and I have a warm and dry apartment. I’m getting this done, working on classwork, and not pushing anything. May do the same tomorrow as I need to get to work on some of the other portions of this trip. I am likely to be revising some of my plans on the fly, as opportunities arise. All to the good, but feel free to hit the tip jar.
Over on X I’ve shared a bit more on cooking. This morning’s breakfast of sausage (definitely not American breakfast sausage), fresh mushrooms, eggs, and cheese) was quite tasty. Looking forward to hitting the Women’s market again later this week to pick up local made cheese, yogurt, eggs, fresh milk, and more. And fuzzy slippers. I am definitely going to get fuzzy slippers. Life demands them.
More soon!
If you would like to help me with this trip, seminary courses, and more, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. I’ve added Cash App ($CliffPow7) and Venmo (@Clifford-Powers-5). There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. Getting hit by lightning is not fun! It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.