Хаджидимовският манастир „Св. Георги" — знак за регионална идентичност
St. George's Monastery in Hadzidimovo as a Sign of Regional Identity

Summary/Abstract: St. George's Monastery in Hadzidimovo in built in 1864 as a result of the growing consolidation and self-recognition of the Christian population in the region — self-recognition, which is itself part of the general movement for ecclesiastical independence in Bulgarian lands at that time. The monastery preserved its strong presence even in the socialist period, but after the democratic changes it became a busy pilgrimage center. Gradually, upon the previous importance of the monastery, there was added the role that it has played in recent times and this contributed to its present-day image. Legends about the wonder-working icon of St. George (discovered in a dream) are preserved in the region and various dreams, visions, magic healings and other signs about the presence and protection of the saint are being told. A lot of people, who come from the whole valley of the river Mesta and even from more distant places, visit the monastery. These pilgrims represent the ethnic and confessional variety of the population in the region: Bulgarians, Turks, Gypsies — Christians and Muslims alike. On holiday occasions the place is also visited by guests from Greece. The monastery has proved its miraculous power and has become a center of regional attraction and consolidation. At the same time, it has turned into a symbol of regional identity to which everyone from this region feels more or less connected.

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