Translation of the relics of Venerable John, Abbot of Rila, Bulgaria

Commemorated on October 19.

Today we commemorate the transfer of the relics of Saint John, Abbot of Rila in Bulgaria (1238).

The relics of Saint John were transferred from the city of Sredets [Sofia] to Trnovo, the capital of the Bulgarian realm, in the year 1238. See August 18 for his Life.

Troparion

Your life was a foundation of repentance
and a model of compunction,
an image of consolation and spiritual perfection,
equal to the angels, O venerable one.
You persevered in prayer, fasting and tears, O Father John;
intercede with Christ God for our souls.

Kontakion

Imitating the life of the angels and forsaking all earthly things,
you fled to Christ, O venerable one.
Protecting yourself with His commandments,
you were shown to be an unshakable pillar against the attacks of the enemy.
Therefore, we cry to you: “Rejoice, O Father John, most brilliant light!”