Orthodox believers celebrate Epiphany

Jerusalem, 19 January, 2020 (TPS) -- By: MIA

Orthodox believers are celebrating on Sunday Epiphany – one of the holiest days for Orthodox Christians.

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.

Epiphany liturgy, led by the Head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia, HH Stefan, is taking place Sunday morning in the Church of the Holy Mother of God in downtown Skopje.

Central cross-throwing ceremony is to take place in Skopje at noon from the bridge at Holiday Inn Hotel of the Vardar river.

140 people have been listed to jump in the waters of Vardar river in Skopje to try to retrieve the Holy Cross.

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

It is considered that the one who retrieves the Holy Cross will be successful, happy and prosperous all year long.