The Rila Monastery One Historical, Cultural and Educational Center Created by Bulgarian National Team IP LibCMASS Sofia 2011 Contract № 2011-ERA-IP-7 Sofia, September, 2011

Information The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It is situated in the southwestern Rila Mountains, 117 km south of the capital Sofia in the deep valley of the Rilska River at an elevation of 1,147 m above sea level. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila ( before christ). Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and Southeastern Europe. During the millennia of its existence the monastery has changed twice its place, was demolished and renovated several times. In XIV century it was renovated by the Serbian ruler Hrelyo Dragovol, as this period is preserved tower with a chapel, "Preobrajenie gospodne" and archaeological remains of a medieval fortress. Today the monastery buildings date from the early nineteenth century, when after spontaneous fire have been rebuilt.

Cultural center Ever since its foundation, the monastery became literary and educational center. Much educational activity in the developed West University, who founded here during the Renaissance school. The monastery provides shelter to Vasil Levski, Gotse Delchev, Peyo Yavorov and others. In 1961 the monastery was declared a National Museum "Rila Monastery", but in 1968 the monks returned in 1976 became a national historic reserve, and since 1983 under the auspices of UNESCO. The Rila Monastery protect manuscripts, books, documents from the 14th century - 19th century, and the museum - many antiques and church plates, rods, icons, guns, coin collections, etc..

At The territory of the monastery: ● Four Churches + Two convent with its own church ● Museum ● Library ● Rooms per night ● Others interesting places who are part of region on the Rila Monastery

Churches in The Rila Monastery At region on the monastery belong four churches: - Church “Vyvedenie Bogorodichno” - Church “Uspenie na St. Ivan Rilski” - Church “St. Luka” - Church “Pokrov na St. Bogorodica” - Convent "Orlitsa" the church "Saints Peter and Paul" - Convent “Pchelina” the church “Assumption”

New Ideas for The Rila Monastery…. Creating Children’s Center

Create a new children's center Main objective of the new child development center is to give children knowledge about Orthodox Christianity, and to foster their creativity and dexterity. The Classes at the center than good for children will be useful for parents as they will receive adequate privacy in the atmosphere of ecclesiastical peace.

Create a new children's center What we offer you: ● Permanent work with your children by expert staff who will provide you the necessary rest. ● Provide necessary knowledge for your child by teaching Orthodox Christianity - classical or children's bible ● Create your child's drawing on a bible ● Create Christian Jewelry ● Create Ceramic bowl, glasses, plates and other

What you will can create in this Children’s center:

Strategy for informing the public: - Tv - Radio - Newspaper’s - Brochures - Facebook - Twitter - Invitations to school’s and preschool’s

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Thank you for your attention!

Created by : Christo Christov Aneta Bakalska Dimana Yankova Petia Berezova Mariana Talanova Yordan Atanasov Angelina Petrova Mihail Urilski Emilia Sirakova