In the past days was disclosed the news of exclusive discovery of Bulgarian archaeologists - Found part of the relics of St. John the Baptist.

The discovery was made by a team led by Professor Casimir Popkonstantinov. Themselves are part of the excavations carried out by the Foundation Sozopol Project BG 0065 Old Sozopol - Monastery of St. John the Baptist - the culture through the ages. One of the activities is an archaeological study of the Monastery of St. John the Baptist 'in Archaeological Reserve Islands St. John and St. Peter's.

On 28/07/2010 at 13.30 hours was found ancient reliquary made of alabaster. Stone casket is extremely exquisite handmade. Resembles the shape of an ancient sarcophagus. The lid is sealed with red mortar. With characteristic craftsmanship and relikvariya elements, as archaeologists could see the typical signs of the end of IV, the beginning of the V century.

Reliquary open at 11:00 on 01.08.2010 by the Commission in the presence of official guests and journalists. Were found part of the relics of St. John the Baptist!

Speech by Prof. Mitja Dimitrov - Project Manager BG0065

Project BG 0065 Old Sozopol - Monastery of St. John the Baptist - the culture through the ages "is financed by the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area.

The idea for the development of this project is Prof. Bozidar Dimitrov. We express our gratitude.

The project is supported by the Ministry of Culture and the Regional Administration - Burgas.

Project Partners Foundation Sozopol, Municipality Sozopol Association Black Sea Strandja.

The project activities are implemented within the two reserves:
1. Architectural and historical reserve Old Sozopol and
2. Archaeological Reserve Islands of St. John and St. Peter.
Part of the activities are archaeological research to the monastery of St. John the Baptist "Island of St. Ivan, which resulted in the discovery was made by archaeologists from the team leader Professor DSc Casimir Popkonstantinov.

Project management expresses its great appreciation to the team of archaeologists and personal Prof. DSc Casimir Popkonstantinov for exceptional professionalism demonstrated in the implementation of activities under the project "Old Sozopol - Monastery of St. John the Baptist - the culture through the ages.

This opportunity to express my respect and gratitude of the project team to the Chairman of the Board of the Foundation Sozopol - Mr. Cyril Arnautska for his tireless work in implementing the objectives of the Foundation Sozopol.

Photos from the opening of the reliquary can be downloaded from the attached link

Attached file: [click here]
Picture: [click here]