Welcome to Bulgarian Orthodox Church St. John of Rila located in Washington, DC.
Our mission is to unite religiously and ecclesiastically in the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ all Eastern Orthodox Christians whose origin is
Bulgarian, or any other Eastern Orthodox Christians and their families of
whatever national origin residing in Washington, D.C. and all surrounding
areas, and to satisfy their religious and spiritual needs.
We work to provide a place of public worship and facilities for
social, physical, civic, educational, moral, and religious instruction for its
members and their families, and conduct the same according to the teachings of
the Holy Gospel, the Holy Canons of the Eastern Orthodox Church and in
conformity with the traditions and regulations of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
We want to preserve the language, faith, cultural and religious
traditions of the Bulgarian people. Our dream is to unite all Bulgarians in the
Washington DC area and live like one big Christian family where its members
will help each other.
As a name of our church we have chosen St. John of Rila, who is
honoured today as the patron of the Bulgarian people. Saint John of Rila is
also known to have performed a multitude of miracles in order to help people.
His life is an inspiration for us and an example of devotion and love for God
and people.