Historical figure John of Rila the Wonderworker

St John of Rila the Wonderworker was a Bulgarian monk regarded as the country's greatest saint and hermit. He is the heavenly protector of the Bulgarian people and founder of Rila Monastery, Bulgaria's largest monastery directly subject to the Church's highest authority.

According to his lives, he was born in Skrino in the Dupnitsa basin, probably around 876. He lived as a hermit in the mountains, devoted to God. Many sought healing and spiritual strength from him. His fame spread far beyond Rila and reached Tsar Peter I, who wished to meet him. John declined the meeting as an expression of humility.

He died on 18 August 946, aged about seventy. His remains were placed in a stone tomb in the church's narthex, which survives today.

His relics were subsequently moved several times before returning to Rila Monastery. Christians deeply revere his holiness and miraculous gifts, and many Bulgarian towns and regions regard him as their patron. The transfer of his relics to Veliko Tarnovo is commemorated annually on 29 and 30 July.

John of Rila remains a central symbol of spirituality and faith for Bulgarians, and devotion to him continues.