Orthodox believers celebrate Epiphany

Orthodox believers Thursday celebrate the great Christian holiday - Epiphany.

The holiday marks two events in Jesus Christ’s life, according to the Christian Bible. The first event was when the three wise men, or kings, visited infant Jesus. The second event was when St. John the Baptist baptized Jesus.

Epiphany liturgy will begin Thursday morning in “St. Dimitrija” church in Skopje. The Head of Macedonian Orthodox Church, Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia HH Stefan will perform the Great Theophany Blessing of Water, dipping the Holy Cross and blessing the water of the river Vardar after that 127 believers will jump into the river and will try to catch the Holy Cross. It is considered that the one who catches the cross will enjoy happiness, health and welfare all year long.

The traditional ceremony of throwing the Holy Cross will be held throughout Macedonia, with the largest event in Ohrid.

Nova Makedonija daily is the organiser of the event and this year’s godfather is Sasko Staninov.

The traditional ceremony of throwing the Holy Cross is also held throughout Macedonia, with the largest event in Ohrid.

According to the Law on Holidays, Epiphany is non-working for Orthodox believers.

The holiday marks two events in Jesus Christ’s life, according to the Christian Bible. The first event was when the three wise men, or kings, visited infant Jesus. The second event was when St. John the Baptist baptized Jesus. According to the Law on Holidays, Epiphany is non-working for Orthodox believers.

Daniel Doncevski catches the Holy Cross during Epiphany celebration in Skopje
Twenty-two year old Daniel Doncevski from Kratovo caught the Holy Cross that the Head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church HH Stefan threw in the waters of river Vardar on occasion of Epiphany in Skopje. He was the luckiest among the 127 believers that jumped into the waters of river Vardar. He caught the cross also in 2007.
It is considered that the one who catches the cross will enjoy happiness, health and welfare all year long.
Doncevski was given laptop from PM Nikola Gruevski, an icon from Centre municipality and golden coin from Skopje City.
The Head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church HH Stefan sent traditional Epiphany message. Many believers attended the event as well as PM Nikola Gruevski.
Epiphany liturgy began Thursday morning in “St. Dimitrija” church in Skopje. The Head of Macedonian Orthodox Church, Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia HH Stefan performed the Great Theophany Blessing of Water, dipping the Holy Cross and blessing the water of the river Vardar.