Bulgaria launches national religious tourism initiative with new pilgrimage path

Sofia: Bulgarian President Rumen Radev expressed his hope that the “Journey of Faith” initiative would attract thousands of pilgrims from both Bulgaria and abroad, while also showcasing the nation’s rich history, cultural heritage, enduring traditions, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Together with Patriarch Daniel of the Bulgaria, President Radev officially inaugurated the pilgrimage route titled “The Wonderworker of Rila” — a name he personally gave to the spiritual path. The event also marked the launch of a broader initiative aimed at promoting religious tourism in Bulgaria.

“I would like to congratulate Patriarch Daniel on the ‘Journey of Faith’ initiative. I am confident that, beyond this traditional pilgrimage route to the Rila Monastery, new spiritual paths will emerge — paths that will connect and unite the people of Bulgaria,” said President Radev.

He noted that connecting Bulgaria’s sacred and historically significant sites offers a path to moral and spiritual development.

“Today, only together can we preserve Bulgaria’s traditional values—such as hard work, integrity, humanity, and justice—while resisting all forms of evil. As the Patriarch said in his speech, this should not hinder Bulgaria’s progress as a democratic state governed by the rule of law,” Radev added.

Earlier, Patriarch Daniel led the liturgical procession to the Rotunda of St. George in Sofia.

The first route of the initiative is the already established pilgrimage path known as “The Wonderworker of Rila.”

Over the course of several days, hundreds of pilgrims will follow a portion of the route along which the relics of St. John of Rila were once transported—from the Rotunda of St. George in Sofia to the Rila Monastery, where they remain to this day.