Bulgarian Queen Teodora commemorated on Orthodox calendar

The Orthodox calendar marks October 28 with the commemoration of Queen Teodora, the first wife of Tsar Ivan Alexander of Bulgaria. Born Braida, daughter of the Wallachian voivode Ivanko I Basarab, she became queen in 1331 and supported literary development and religious institutions, including the Basarbovo Rock Monastery.

Following her husband's second marriage, Teodora left the court and entered monastic life under the name Theophana. She became associated with Hesychasm and sought spiritual guidance from figures such as Saint Theodosius of Tarnovo. Her historical legacy includes her role as a patron of churches and her transition from royalty to a life of spiritual devotion.

Other figures commemorated on this date include Saint Paraskeva, the martyrs Terentius and Neonila, Saint Stephen Savait, and Saint Demetrius of Rostov.