North Macedonia celebrates Epiphany with Holy Cross retrieval ceremony

In North Macedonia, believers celebrate Epiphany by throwing the Holy Cross into the the water, commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River.

The Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia, His Holiness Stefan, led the central celebration. Martin Godjo was the fastest to retrieve the cross, symbolising the blessings of good fortune and health for the year.

Similar ceremonies took place across the country, including in Prilep, where participants braved the icy waters, embodying their faith in the baptism of Christ.