Skopje, 19 January 2024 (MIA) – Believers are celebrating Epiphany, one of the holiest days for Orthodox Christians and a religious public holiday in North Macedonia. The Macedonian Orthodox Church will hold its traditional Great Theophany Blessing of Water event near Skopje’s Holiday Inn hotel and the cross will be retrieved.  

An Epiphany liturgy, led by the Head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia, HH Stefan, is taking place at the Nativity of Virgin Mary church in downtown Skopje.

Next, Archbishop Stefan will perform the Great Theophany Blessing of Water, throwing the Holy Cross from the Sloboda Bridge and blessing the water of the Vardar. Believers will then jump into the river to retrieve it.

Church officials told MIA that this year, 157 citizens will attempt to retrieve the cross in Vardar river. 

Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski and Minister of Interior Oliver Spasovski will attend the blessing of the water of Vardar river and the throwing of the Holy Cross. 

The holiday marks two events in the life of Jesus Christ, according to the Bible. The first event occurred when the three wise men, or kings, visited the infant baby Jesus. The second event was linked to the baptism of Jesus Christ by St. John the Baptist.

It is believed that the one who retrieves the wooden cross will have a successful and prosperous year.

Epiphany ceremonies will be held throughout the country, with the largest event being held in Ohrid.

Photo: MIA archive