Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria mark Monday one of the most important and solemn religious holidays - the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (the Feast of the Cross), which in Bulgarian is called Krastovden.

People call the holiday Krastovden [in Bulgarian: Day of the Cross] not only because of the “fair cross” but also because “the day crosses with the night” – the equinox sets in, the women “cross” the flowers in the garden, while the men protect the cross because of the entrance of a colder weather.

According to the folklore, on Krastovden the Sun starts moving backwards and the fall sets in.

In some Bulgarian regions the holiday is also called grozdobernik [English: grape-gathering time], since the vintage time is underway.

Krastovden is also a name day for many Bulgarians called: Krastyo, Krastina, Krastil, Krastila, Krastilena, Krastena, Krastan, Krastina, Kana, Kancho, Stavri.

His Holiness Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan Bishop of Sofia Neofit will lead a solemn religious service at the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in the capital Sofia on Monday.

Religious services will be held in all eparchies of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church as well.