The Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15th is one of the twelve great Orthodox feasts. In Bulgaria the celebration puts an end to the two-week fast period, called Dormition of the Mother of God Lent. St. Mother of God is honored as a patron of motherhood and women, as a protector of the family hearth. The feast is celebrated by all women, so on this day no housework is done. Women give away towels, shirts, money, flowers. Then the first fruit for the season – grapes, watermelons, as well as ritual bread, which have been sanctified in a church in advance, are given away for health and for “May God forgive the dead”.

On Dormition of the Theotokos the Church commemorates all its donors. Fairs and votive offerings are organized in many villages and towns. On this day is the temple feast day of the Troyan Monastery, where every year a worship procession in honor of the wonder-working icon of the Mother of God takes place.

The traditional festive table includes fresh ornate round bread, honey, chicken gruel, boiled wheat, maize, pumpkin, grapes and watermelon.