Orthodox Church commemorates St. Spyridon-patron saint of craftsmen

In Bulgarian traditional culture, St. Spiridon is perceived as the patron saint of craftsmen - shoemakers, tile-makers, potters, brick-makers, coppersmiths, etc.

It is believed that the saint was the first to discover how to make a strong clay vessel. At first, he tried only clay, but failed. Saddened by the failure, he wept and his tears made the clay workable. He made the vessel, baked it and so gave this craft to the people.