Podcast in English
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.

More from category

Museum of Archaeology in Burgas displays pipes and tobacco from Medieval Bulgaria

Pipes from the end of the 17 th , the 18 th and the 19 th century and the tradition of growing tobacco in Bulgaria are presented in the newest exposition at the Museum of Archaeology in Burgas. “Pipes like this are to be found often on the..

published on 4/5/25 8:30 AM

Who is Marko Totev and why his name became a byword for bad luck

In Bulgaria, when we talk about a person with bad luck, we often say: "Ah, what a Marko Totev!" But who exactly was Marko Totev, and how did his name become a byword for a person with ill fortune and a bad luck? "He was a Bulgarian public figure..

published on 4/1/25 8:56 AM

Life as a string of Ramadans – Muslims in Bulgaria celebrate Bayram

30 March marks the end of the most blessed time of the year, as Muslims call the month of Ramadan. This year it started on 1 March, and the most important obligation Muslims have during this 30-day period is to refrain from food, drink and temptation..

published on 3/30/25 8:15 AM