St Tsar Boris-Michael of Bulgaria

Orthros artwork for the life of St Tsar Boris-Michael of Bulgaria
Orthros artwork

From the Prologue of Ochrid

Born and raised as a pagan. Boris was baptized under the influence of his uncle Boyan and his sister. At his baptism he received the name Michael. Patriarch Photius sent him priests, who gradually baptized the entire Bulgarian people. Many nobles in Bulgaria opposed the new faith, but the new faith prevailed, and the cross shone upon many churches built by the pious Tsar Michael. The faith among the Bulgarians, as among the Serbs, was strengthened especially by the Five Disciples of Ohrid, students of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who preached the teaching of Christ to the people in the native Slavonic tongue. Michael became a monk in old age and withdrew to a monastery. But when his son Vladimir began to undo his father's work and suppress Christianity, Michael donned his princely garments again, girded on a sword, removed Vladimir from the throne, and placed his younger son Simeon upon it. Then he again put on the monastic habit, withdrew into silence, and in ascetical struggle and prayer peacefully ended his earthly life "in the good faith, in the true confession of our Lord Jesus Christ, great, honorable, and pious," and departed to the heavenly life on May 2, 906.

“First he tormented the children, but the children remained unwavering in their faith, and even more, they demanded heavier torments from their torturer.”

Also commemorated on May 2

Learn about similar saints

Questions

When is the feast day of St Tsar Boris-Michael of Bulgaria?
The Orthodox Church commemorates St Tsar Boris-Michael of Bulgaria on May 2 on the New Calendar and May 15 on the Old Calendar.
Who else is commemorated on that day?
The Church also remembers St Athanasius the Great of Alexandria; Boris and Gleb; Hesperus, Zoë and Their Sons; and St Matrona of Moscow.
When is the feast of St Tsar Boris-Michael of Bulgaria in 2027?
In 2027, on the New Calendar, it falls on Sunday, May 2.

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