Our mission is to unite religiously and ecclesiastically in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ all Eastern Orthodox Christians whose origin is Bulgarian, or any other Eastern Orthodox Christians and their families of whatever national origin residing in Washington, D.C. and all surrounding areas, and to satisfy their religious and spiritual needs.

We work to provide a place of public worship and facilities for social, physical, civic, educational, moral, and religious instruction for its members and their families, and conduct the same according to the teachings of the Holy Gospel, the Holy Canons of the Eastern Orthodox Church and in conformity with the traditions and regulations of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

We want to preserve the language, faith, cultural and religious traditions of the Bulgarian people. Our dream is to unite all Bulgarians in the Washington DC area and live like one big Eastern Orthodox Christian family where its members will help each other.

As a name of our church we have chosen St. John of Rila, who is honored today as the patron of the Bulgarian people. Saint John of Rila is also known to have performed a multitude of miracles in order to help people. His life is an inspiration for us and an example of devotion and love for God and people.