SOFIA, Bulgaria — On Monday, a large number of Orthodox Christian worshippers in Bulgaria faced the cold winter elements as they participated in longstanding Epiphany traditions.

Across the Balkan nation, predominantly embraced by Orthodoxy, young men dove into icy rivers and lakes to retrieve crucifixes that priests cast into the water during ceremonies that honor the baptism of Jesus Christ.

It is widely believed that the individual who recovers the wooden cross will be liberated from evil spirits and enjoy good health throughout the year. Once the cross is retrieved, the priest blesses the participants by sprinkling them with water using a bunch of basil.

In the small town of Elin Pelin, located east of Sofia in a more rural region, numerous men leaped into the frigid waters of the Lesnovska River, eager to seize the blessed cross.

A highlight of the festivities was the traditional “mazhko horo,” or men’s dance, performed by men clad in white shirts adorned with intricate embroidery. These participants waded into the river, singing folk songs and proudly waving national flags.

The Epiphany celebrations kicked off in Sofia with a ceremonial blessing of the water.

High-ranking clergymen from Bulgaria’s Orthodox Church offered prayers for community prosperity and conducted a blessing of the colors representing local military units. This practice, which had been discontinued in 1946, was revived after the end of communism in 1992.

Epiphany not only signifies the conclusion of the twelve days of Christmas but is also a date that varies among Orthodox Christian communities.

While countries such as Greece, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Romania celebrate the feast on January 6, churches in Russia and Serbia adhere to the Julian calendar, marking the occasion on January 19, corresponding with their Christmas celebration on January 7.