Murals and Prints of St. John of Rila and the Revival Pilgrimage

This research reveals the enduring influence of St. John of Rila's imagery on Bulgarian Orthodox pilgrimage traditions, particularly during the Ottoman era when religious expression was suppressed. It highlights how murals and prints depicting his life served as silent yet powerful testimonies to faith, preserving narratives of sacrifice and reverence for generations. The study meticulously analyzes early depictions, Revival-era murals, and Rila Monastery's pilgrim prints, offering a nuanced understanding of iconography’s role in cultural and spiritual resilience.

Mihailov, P. (2025). Murals and Prints of St. John of Rila and the Revival Pilgrimage. Forum Theologicum Sardicense, (1), 155–164. https://doi.org/10.60061/fths.2020.1.155-164