Believers in North Macedonia marked Epiphany by participating in a traditional ceremony that involves throwing the Holy Cross into the water to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. The Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia, His Holiness Stefan, led the central celebration where Martin Godjo was the fastest to retrieve the cross, symbolising blessings of good fortune and health for the year.
Similar ceremonies were held in various locations across the country, with participants in Prilep braving the icy waters to demonstrate their faith in the baptism of Christ. Epiphany is an important religious holiday for Orthodox Christians, and the ceremonies in North Macedonia are a significant part of the observance.
The tradition of throwing the Holy Cross into the water and retrieving it is believed to bring good luck and blessings to the person who successfully retrieves it. It is a symbolic gesture of faith and devotion to the teachings of Jesus Christ, and believers participate in the ceremony with reverence and enthusiasm.
The Epiphany celebrations in North Macedonia showcase the strong religious fervor and cultural traditions of the country. The participation of believers in these ceremonies demonstrates their commitment to their faith and the importance of religious observance in their lives.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com