Saint John of Rila was born around 876–880 in the village of Skrino. Becoming an orphan at an early age, he worked as a shepherd and, after enduring many trials, became a hermit. John lived in a cave, where he was visited by his nephew Luke, but soon Luke died, and John prayed much for his soul. He spent twelve years in the cave, then moved to the Rila wilderness, where he lived in a hollow tree, feeding on herbs and beans that miraculously grew for him. News of his holiness attracted the sick to him, whom he healed through prayer.
John avoided fame and went to a high rock, where he spent seven years under the open sky. The King of Bulgaria, Peter, wished to meet him, but John refused. Later, he accepted monasticism and founded a monastery in the cave where he lived. The saint passed away on August 18, 946, at the age of 70, leaving behind a 'Testament to the Disciples.' His life and miracles became a testament to the Christian faith in Bulgaria.
In the difficult times of Bulgaria's struggle with Byzantium, John appeared to his disciples and commanded them to transfer his relics to Serdica. The relics were transferred in 980, and the saint's right hand later ended up in Rus. In 1183, the Hungarian King Bela II took John's relics on a campaign but returned them with honor in 1187. On October 19, 1238, the relics were transferred to the new capital – Tarnovo. On July 1, 1469, they returned to the Rila Monastery, where they rest to this day, granting grace-filled help to all believers.
