Post date: Aug 25, 2011 11:48:10 AM
The recent discovery of relics of John the Baptist near Sozopol has led to a significant increase in tourists visiting the Orthodox sites of Bulgaria.
SOZOPOL, BULGARIA (AUGUST 18, 2011) REUTERS - Bulgaria's great diversity of archeological sites, architectural attractions, churches and monasteries have always attracted tourists to the country, but the latest discovery has caused a boost to religious tourism. In 2010 the relics of John the Baptist have been discovered near Sozopol at the Black Sea Coast.
The remains believed to belong to St. John include a skull fragment and a tooth and were uncovered during the excavation of a fourth-century monastery on St. Ivan Island. They were in a sealed reliquary buried next to a tiny urn inscribed with St. John's name and his birth date.
When Bulgarian archaeologists declared they had found relics of John the Baptist, one of the most significant early Christian saints, their discovery became the subject of huge interest and skepticism.
Officials of the recession-hit country believe that the purported relics will give a big boost to tourism, drawing believers from neighbouring Orthodox Christian countries to the nearby resort town. They are hoping the relics will help to promote religious tourism and bring economic benefits to the local community.
There are three churches in Sozopol and they all are included in the tour operator's "must see" list.
Tourists are queuing to enter the churches. Some mainly of Orthodox belief, come there to pray others to look at the beautiful icons and wood carvings.
"Most of the people, who are Orthodox Christians - Russians, Serbs, they come with belief and willing to worship. Other tourists - they want to see an unique antic church," explained Zhana Popova, a local villager and believer, who helps in the church. Father Ivan, the local Bishop, confirms the increased numbers of tourists.
Tourists from Russia are mostly interested in religious relics and items.
"Many people in Russia returned to the Orthodox church and they are very interested to see churches in other countries, if they are different from Russian churches," said Andrey, a tourist from Moscow.
Some visitors are unhappy with the fee have to pay when entering the church. This is not a museum, they insist. "To take money from people, entering a church is not good. If a church is a museum, then ok, but if it is functioning as a church, a place for cult, it's not good. I understand this is to support the church, but they could sell religious souvenirs instead," said Michail from Russia.
The Mayor of Sozopol, Panayot Remzi, hopes the holy remains can bring an economic miracle to Sozopol:
"This discovery (of holy remains) increased the number of tourists here, even if they are only tourists passing by, they would leave their money in our shops and restaurants."