Every year, on August 15th, Bulgaria celebrates one of its most cherished Christian holidays — the Dormition of the Mother of God, known as Golyama Bogoroditsa (The Assumption of Mary). On this sacred day, the faithful honor the life, compassion, and quiet strength of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. She is revered as a protector, a symbol of unconditional love, and a heavenly guide through life’s most challenging paths.

It’s a day of prayer and peace — candles are lit, flowers are offered, and hearts are filled with gratitude for the presence of love, grace, and feminine strength in our lives.

In Bulgaria, it’s also a Name Day — a tradition where people with the name Maria (and its variations, such as Mariana, Mariya, and Marika) receive warm wishes and heartfelt blessings. In many ways, it’s more than a celebration. It’s a moment of honoring the women who carry not only a name, but a legacy.

Maria is one of the most beloved and ancient names in the world — and for good reasons. It’s a name that echoes softness and strength at once. In every language and across every culture, Maria means something pure — grace, love, resilience, protection, light.

There’s something undeniably beautiful about this name. When you say it, it feels like a prayer and a promise at once — a whisper of hope, a calm in the storm, a fire in the quiet.

Women named Maria seem to carry the world with silent strength. They love deeply, give endlessly, and walk with a sense of inner wisdom. It’s not just a name. It’s an energy. A quiet power. A warm presence.

And now… allow me to tell you about my Maria — The Woman Who Changed My Life.

She is not only named after the Holy Mother — she carries her spirit.

She is my wife, my best friend, my north star. The woman I’ve built a life with. The one who has stood by me when life was easy — and more importantly, when it wasn’t.

Her persistence is the reason we’re still together after so many years. When I doubted, she believed. When I hesitated, she moved forward. When I was quiet, she waited — and then spoke the words I needed to hear.

She is an incredible mother — full of laughter, protection, and grace. Our child is growing up with the best possible example of strength wrapped in love.

And as a wife… she is everything.

The tenderness. The fire. The patience. The belief. The loyalty. The quiet moments and the loud ones. The hands that hold mine and never let go.

She is my home. My compass. My secret smile on a hard day. She is the reason I believe in love the way I do.

On this day, as Bulgaria celebrates the Virgin Mary, I celebrate my Maria — not just for her name, but for who she is.

Happy Name’s Day! My love. My forever.

GK

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Published by georgi.kisyov

21 thoughts on “My St. Maria”

  3. Georgi, what a beautiful testimony to greet us this morning! Last night I actually dreamt of an Orthodox church hiding behind an EFL school in an amalgamation of places visited recently. My mother (a Mary Ann) would have said your blog post was my ‘dream out’! Today is The Assumption in the western calendar: the same holiday, little celebrated.

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    1. Hello,
      What a beautiful message to receive — thank you for sharing that dream, and for the connection to your own Mary Ann. I love how our lives and memories weave themselves into these small moments of recognition.
      Yes, today is the Assumption in the Western calendar too — how special that our traditions quietly meet across borders. I’m truly moved that my post resonated with you this morning. Wishing you a peaceful and meaningful day. 🌿✨
      Regards,
      Georgi

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      1. Georgi, in cities like London (England) the east/west theological borders are drawing much closer! We have, in part, our Polish brethren to thank for this and also many people of goodwill, including my friends with the wonderful Cyrillic influenced handwriting (at which I still marvel, the English education system generally allowing students to freestyle in this respect from age 13 approx!).

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  4. Behind every strong man stands a woman. Please ask your dear Maria to read this post of yours. She will be all smiles. With her by your side, you and your family will sail further, safer and more accomplished, Georgi. Best wishes.

    Thank you for sharing about the Bulgarian special day.

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    1. Hello,
      Thank you so much for your touching words. You’re absolutely right — behind every quiet strength I have, there’s her unwavering support. I will definitely share this post with Maria — and yes, I believe she will smile. 💛
      Your message means a lot to me. And I’m truly glad I could share a piece of our Bulgarian traditions with you. Wishing you warmth and blessings. 🌿
      Have a great Friday.
      Georgi

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    1. Hello,
      So beautifully said — I truly believe that too. Names carry energy, history, and a quiet power. And yes… my Maria lives up to every beautiful meaning her name holds. Thank you for seeing that, and for your kind words. 🌸💛
      Have a wonderful day.
      Georgi

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  6. Love this shout out to your wife.

    We sometimes take those we see each day for granted, I can’t imagine how much she appreciates the effort you’ve made to recognize her for her greatness not just as a human but specifically as you wife and as a Mama.

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    1. Hi Brittany,
      Thank you so much — your words truly touched me. You’re right, it’s so easy to overlook the everyday presence of someone who gives us everything. I just wanted her to know, in front of the world, how deeply she’s appreciated — not only as a person, but as my wife and the incredible mother she is. 💛 Grateful for your kindness. 🌿
      Have a wonderful weekend.
      Georgi

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