Krastova gora – a Christian holy place for pilgrimage
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There are hardly any Christians who haven’t heard of the place Krastova gora and of the legendary peak Krastov. Some people call this place “The Bulgarian Jerusalem”, considering it as the most sacred place on the territory of our country.Krastova gora is situated in the heart of the Rhodopi mountains, 6 km from the village of Borovo, Asenovgrad. Nowadays every year millions of people visit this place with the hope for purifying, healing or just come to enjoy the gorgeous mountain nature. At this peak one of the most popular religious gatherings in the world takes place. The event happens once a year – the night of September the 14th.Then thousands of believers gather at the hill for the night lithurgy expecting the miracle. The vigil finishes with the sunset when the rays of the sun touch the top of the big metal Christ. People believe that each stone found in this area has the appearance of a Christ on its surface and brings luck. The story of Krastova gora is extremely incredible and full of many legends and secrets. In 1933 in the near village of Borovo arrived Yordan Stoichev Dryankov. He was strongly religious and was receiving visions recently. One of his visions was the appearance of a Christ in the sky. He decided to inform the famous king Boris III because he knew him personally. As the king understood about his vision, he ordered a big silver Christ to be made. People believe that at the peak Krastov some time ago was a big monastery where a part of the Jesus’ Christ was preserved.It happened so that the original Christ made of silver ordered by the king Boris III was stolen. They decided a new Christ, a copy of the original, to be made. In 2002 the thief went himself and brought the Christ back. He explained that a month after he stole the Christ bad things started to happen to him and to his family. At the beginning he didn’t know the reason but after that he started to believe in the power of God and understood how serious his criminal act was.The story of Krastova gora is really incredible, but much more incredible is the magnificent nature around the peak Krastov and the near village Borovo. High and steep hills with beautiful rocky forms surround deep crystal-clear lakes. Small waterfalls murmur in the thick green forests, where you can hear the wonderful songs of hundreds of birds. Up in the mountain there is not a more beautiful sunset and after it the sky covers with numerous stars. It is hard to describe with words the magnificent landscapes which you can see only here.More and more people visit this holy place, seeking for healing. They believe that if they stay the night in the monastery “St. Trinity”, they will forget about their pain. In the last few years this place has turned into an often visited tour destination and has become famous as a Christian holy place for pilgrims. |
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