Nicholas Day

For Orthodox Christians, Christmas fasting begins today. In church tradition, it is in honor of the upcoming great holiday dedicated to the birth of the Savior of the world - Jesus Christ.

There are days of abstinence not only from food of animal origin, but also from evil deeds and thoughts.

Thousands of Bulgarians have a name day today, sailors and bankers celebrate as well, the Church honors St. Nicholas the Miracle Worker of Myra. St. Nicholas Day is also the day of the Bulgarian city Burgas.

The name means "winner", name day celebrate people with the names: Nikola, Nikolay, Nikolina, Nikoleta, Nina, Kolyo and their derivatives.