ПРОГРАМИ
en de ru fr es sr gr al tr ro
Podcast in English
Share
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Bulgarians across the country take out the cross on Epiphany

Photo: BTA

On January 6, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church is marking Epiphany. According to the Bible, on this day John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. Traditionally, a festive Epiphany liturgy is held in churches, water is blessed, and then the priests throw the cross into a body of water. According to legend, men participate in the taking out of the cross, and whoever catches it will be healthy throughout the year.

In Sofia, this happened on the lake in Druzhba district, and the cross was saved by 24-year-old Nikolay Dimitrov. 40 men took part in the ritual, the youngest of whom was 18 years old, and the oldest - 84 years old, Focus news agency reported.

Kalin Uzunov from Burgas holding the Epiphany cross
In Burgas, Russians and Ukrainians gathered in the largest church in the city to pray for peace on today's Epiphany holiday. The cross was traditionally thrown from the Bridge near the Sea Casino, and was retrieved by 18-year-old Kalin Uzunov, BNR correspondent Daniela Kostadinova reported.

In Silistra, the cross was thrown into the waters of the Danube and was retrieved by 23-year-old student Galin Stoev.

43-year-old Onnik Tarakchiyan, an Orthodox Christian of Armenian origin, saved the cross on Epiphany in Pernik. The holiday began with a procession from the central Pernik church to the lake in the town park.

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.
Radio Bulgaria History and religion    Epiphany Epiphany cross

More from category

Vasil Drumev - Metropolitan of Tarnovo

Metropolitan Kliment of Tarnovo – ​​in the service of God and the Fatherland

In the secular chronicles of post-liberation Bulgaria, Metropolitan Kliment of Tarnovo is known as Vasil Drumev – a notable writer and public figure, he led an exceptionally spiritual, Christian life. For linguists, he is among the brightest zealots of..

published on 12/10/24 11:49 AM

Orthodox Christians celebrate the Conception of Theotokos by St. Anne

On December 9 the Orthodox Church celebrates the Conception of the Most Holly Theotokos by Saint Anne. Joachim and Anne were childless for a long time despite their righteous life. In addition to their personal grief, they also endured public..

published on 12/9/24 9:37 AM

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker – the embodiment of selfless mercy

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker on December 6.  He is called the saint of mercy because his entire life was dedicated to supporting the poor, the suffering, the innocent and the wronged. His words had an..

published on 12/6/24 5:30 AM

WEATHER
Pick city: Sofía
Mostly Cloudy
Min: 6 | Max: 15
Mostly Cloudy
Min: 6 | Max: 16
Mostly Cloudy
Min: 9 | Max: 17
Mostly Cloudy
Min: 2 | Max: 10
Partly Cloudy
Min: 7 | Max: 17
Partly Cloudy
Min: 4 | Max: 18
Partly Cloudy
Min: 2 | Max: 16
Partly Cloudy
Min: 7 | Max: 17
Partly Cloudy
Min: 6 | Max: 16
Partly Cloudy
Min: -1 | Max: 14
Partly Cloudy
Min: 6 | Max: 18
Partly Cloudy
Min: 4 | Max: 17
Mostly Cloudy
Min: 0 | Max: 13
Partly Cloudy
Min: -1 | Max: 14
Partly Cloudy
Min: 4 | Max: 17
Mostly Cloudy
Min: -1 | Max: 12
Partly Cloudy
Min: 9 | Max: 16
Partly Cloudy
Min: 3 | Max: 16
Partly Cloudy
Min: 3 | Max: 17
Partly Cloudy
Min: 5 | Max: 11
Mostly Cloudy
Min: -1 | Max: 11
Partly Cloudy
Min: 0 | Max: 11
Partly Cloudy
Min: -1 | Max: 13
Partly Cloudy
Min: 5 | Max: 16
Partly Cloudy
Min: 0 | Max: 17
Partly Cloudy
Min: 3 | Max: 16
Mostly Cloudy
Min: 3 | Max: 17
BULGARIA IN PICTURES
Which world-famous Bulgarian artist designed QSL cards for Radio Bulgaria?
Yasen Gyuzelev
Theodore Ushev
Christo Javacheff - Christo
Ilia Peikov
Lika Yanko

BULGARIANS ABROAD

Български English Русский Deutsch Српски Français Ελληνικά Español Shqip Türkçe Română
MOST VIEWED

Ivanovden is among the favorite winter holidays

Today, The Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors the memory of Saint John the Baptist, also known as Saint John the Forerunner, because he prepared people for..

published on 1/7/25 6:05 AM

Serenity, light and spirituality: St Petka Monastery in winter

Quiet among the Lyulin Mountain slopes, the Klisura Monastery of St. Petka is marked by mystery and radiates spirituality. It is located only 7 km from..

published on 1/8/25 3:48 PM

english@bnr.bg

+359 2 9336 661

Общи условия за използване на сайта | Политика за поверителност | Политика за "бисквитки"