The Bulgarian Orthodox church celebrates, with solemn church services, one of the most important Christian feasts of the year – Epiphany (Yordanovden or Jordan Day in Bulgaria). This is the day on which it is believed Jesus Christ was baptized in the River Jordan.

During the blessing of the water in church, Epiphany water is prepared for health and the purification of believers. It is a tradition on this day to bless the homes, the army flags, the rivers and the water basins.

After the divine liturgy, the priest leads the believers to the nearest body of water where he throws the cross into the waters. It is believed that the first man who retrieves it will be happy and healthy throughout the year.

More than 125,000 people in Bulgaria celebrate their name day today.