Church “St. John the Theologian”

The Church of St. John the Theologian is a small Orthodox church in the Panichishte area of the Rila massif, one of Bulgaria's most beautiful mountain regions. It is dedicated to St. John the Theologian, the Apostle and Evangelist held by Christian tradition to be the author of the Gospel and the Book of Revelation.

As a modest church, its appeal lies more in its natural setting and its role as a local place of prayer than in any grand scale. Its position near the lakes and trails of Rila makes it a natural stop for hikers and pilgrims heading up toward the glacial lakes. Details about the age of the building and any interior painting would need verification on site.

Practical: the church is an active place of worship, reached from the Panichishte resort, the gateway to the chairlift up to the Seven Rila Lakes. Modest dress and quiet are appreciated. The best time to visit is late spring through autumn, when the mountain area is easily accessible.