The Assumption of the Mother of God,

The Orthodox spiritual centre (monastery), “The Assumption of the Mother of God,” is located in
“Gledka” district of the town of Kardzhali. The monastery, built on the initiative of Father Boyan Saruev (known for his dedication as one of the main pillars of the Christian faith in the Rhodope Mountains) and entirely funded by donations, is one of the few newly constructed monasteries in Bulgaria. It is among the most visited holy sites in the country.

Oglari, at the site of what is now the village of Gledka (now “Gledka” district), there lived a refugee from Aegean Thrace named Kalina Kehaiova. One night, in a dream, the Virgin Mary appeared to her, instructing the villagers to build a church in the area called “Chaira,” next to the village, and to dedicate it to her. Two more similar dreams followed, and in the final one, the Virgin Mary promised to give a sign to prove her words. And so it happened—on 28 January 1928, after a Great Blessing of the Waters, Kalina's husband began to dig at the designated spot. After the first spadeful, he discovered an icon rolled up, and, after
the second spadeful, a spring of water gushed out—the healing water of the sacred spring. Astonished by these miracles, everyone made generous donations for the construction of a church, and, initially, a wooden chapel was built on the site. This marked the beginning of the church, the predecessor of today's monastery. Later, a new, solid, and spacious church, “The Assumption of the Mother of God,” was erected and consecrated on 29 May 1939 (by the Plovdiv Metropolitan Kiril), with the help and efforts of Priest Vasil Topuzliev (who served here for 50 years—until 1983, leaving a lasting mark on the spiritual life of all) and the local community.
After a few years of interrupted services, in 1990, Father Boyan Saruev (5 May 1956 – 27 December 2023), known for his charitable, missionary, and preaching activities, was installed in the parish church of Gledka district. He brought dozens, possibly hundreds, of people back to the Orthodox Church. In the spring of 2000, Father Boyan had a vision in which the Mother of God instructed him to build a monastery, as the place was holy, and Christians from all over Bulgaria would come to seek solace. According to the words of the Virgin Mary from the vision, the water from the well in the courtyard had miraculous powers and healed
all kinds of physical and spiritual ailments.

Following the instructions of the Virgin Mary, Father Boyan and his wife, Krasimira, began diligent work. Gradually, the monastery took on its current form, thanks to the love, dedication, and donations of numerous worshippers.
Today, the Orthodox centre, “The Assumption of the Mother of God” (with a three-nave basilica and a tall bell tower, visible from afar), includes an educational centre where classes in religious studies, calligraphy, iconography, church singing, computer skills, a refectory, a conference hall, and a library are held.
Every Saturday and Sunday, the monastery hosts Sunday school (for children on Saturdays and for adults on Sundays). A shelter has been established to provide accommodation and food for the homeless. Later, a social kitchen was also opened at the centre, serving meals to over 100 people—poor individuals from various ethnic groups.

In the monastery's courtyard stands the chapel, “Life-Giving Spring,” built around the well, which, according to the Mother of God, is blessed, and many will find healing there. he crosses, a reliquary
The monastery also houses a valuable relic—a fragment of the Holy Cross of Christ. It was discovered in 2002, during archaeological excavations at a medieval episcopal centre located at the foot of Perperikon. During the excavations, bronze cross-reliquaries were found in the apse of the episcopal church. In one of tcontained fragments of the Holy Cross. On 1 December 2002, the fragments of the Holy Cross were brought to the “The Assumption of the Mother of God” church in Gledka district, in a procession organised by Father Boyan Saruev, with the
participation of devout Christians from across the country. Today, the relic is on permanent display in the church for veneration.

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