Thousands joined Miraculous Icon Procession in Bulgaria

Thousands joined Miraculous Icon Procession in Bulgaria On April 21, worshipers gathered in Bachkovo monastery to see the miraculous icon of St Mary and carried the icon from the Monastery to the Kluviata area. The legend said that the monks hid the icon from the Ottoman invasion high in the mountain. The icon was found in the 17th century and returned to the monastery, though the doors of the church were locked, the icon disappeared and later found in the place where it was previously hidden. Each year, on the second day of Easter, the procession recreates the story and traces the path of the icon. It is believed that the icon performs miracles and people get cured if they touch the icon during the procession. Legend has it that Apostle Lucas himself drew Mary's face on the icon. The icon was given to the monastery by two Georgian monks in 1311. In 1819 it was plated in silver armor. (Photo by Hristo Vladev/NurPhoto)

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