I recently had the joy of visiting the Holy Monastery of Rila, Bulgaria, founded by St. John the Wonderworker and Hermit (876-946). I have no pictures of the monastic church’s interior, which was glorious, because the Orthodox do not permit photography inside their churches. Parts of the structure date from the 10th century; however most of the monastery was built in the early 19th century after a fire destroyed the earlier structure. Bulgaria was at that time ruled by Ottoman Turks, but the people nonetheless contributed generously to build this glorious and holy house of prayer. Enjoy!
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| The Monastery Chapel lies within a high-walled enclosure. |
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| Inside and out, detailed frescoes told stories of saints and figures in the Bible. |
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| The monastery has eight monks at this time, but room for nearly 250. |
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| The medieval clock tower and bells did not burn in the 1800s fire. |
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| St. John of Rila |
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| It seems proper attire is important for Bulgarian Christians, too. |
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| 13th Century structure adjacent the Monastery |
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| Doors are always significant, and quite often, they are small. |
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