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Sts. Theodore Tyron & Theodore Stratelates church

Sts. Theodore Tyron & Theodore Stratelates church

2799 Dobarsko, Bulgaria

RELIGIONS Orthodox

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELIGIOUS SITE

DESCRIPTION
In the small village of Dobarsko, there is a rather unique church dedicated to Sts. Theodore Tyron & Theodore Stratelates. It was built in 1614. The unusual murals and original architecture of the temple make it one of the most notable exponents of Bulgarian art from the early modern era. The church is a small, three-nave basilica. Because of the prohibition to build large Christian temples under Ottoman rule, the temple is buried halfway into the ground. The church is 8.37 meters long, 6.50 meters wide and 5.20 meters tall. The interior of the church is richly decorated with frescoes depicting over 460 Biblical and national figures. There is not a single blank spot on the walls. According to the medieval tradition that the artist should remain anonymous, because it is God who moves his hand, the iconographers did not leave us their names. However, it has been established that a whole group has worked here – the master, his assistant and some apprentices. The master has painted the main scenes and the saints, and the Calf and the apprentices - the secondary scenes, the garments and accessories, the warrior attributes among others. The building of the church keeps a constant temperature inside throughout the year. Because of this, the frescoes are preserved in an excellent condition. They have never been restored, only cleaned.
HISTORICAL RELEVANCE
The style of the murals is quite unusual. They portray vibrant biblical scenes and the animated faces of saints, so alive that they reminisce of the masterpieces of the great Italian Renaissance artist Giotto. The pale-skinned, mournful martyrs, depicted according to the Orthodox canons of iconography, cannot be found here. Instead, the saints have radiant youthful faces, from which a stream light, vitality and joy. But not only these unusual frescoes distinguish the church in Dobarsko from most Orthodox temples. So many feminine images in one place cannot be seen in many other churches. Of particular interest are also the frescoes of the two saints, St. Dimitrius and St. George, shown in full height. In traditional Eastern Orthodox iconography the two saints are always depicted mounted on a horse. The only known similar images are in the Zograf Monastery in Mount Athos.
INTER-RELIGIOUS RELEVANCE
The best known and most controversial image, that has given the church in Dobarsko worldwide fame, shows the Transfiguration of Christ. The Saviour is shown in the likeness of a space ship surrounded by flames. The background of resembles the stratosphere and cosmic space. According to theological explanation, this is a symbolic representation of the glory of God. The mysterious images of the temple draw many curious visitors, beside Orthodox pilgrims. Among them are many followers of New age religions and spiritual practices, as well as exponents of theories of extraterrestrial intelligence and UFOs. Another object of interest is an ancient stelе inscribed with a swastika, which is built into the wall of the church.
RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE
The temple has another mystery. The healing spring in the church yard is believed to have incredible curative power. It is said that it never reduces or increases his flow and does not freeze even on the coldest of winter. Many sick and suffering people visit the church in hope of finding remedy and rejuvenation.
HOW TO USE WITH THE STUDENTS
- Direct visit
- Virtual visit: See the photo galleries in the media resources section.
- Discussion: What was the most interesting or surprising thing learned?
REFERENCE TO THE GUIDELINE

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This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.