Skopje, 19 January 2024 (MIA) - 17-year-old Gjorgji Nikolovski has retrieved the Holy Cross lowered into the Vardar as part of this year’s Epiphany celebration in Skopje.

"I wish health, happiness, peace to everyone. God bless you all, God is great," Nikolovski said, sending wishes for unity. 

The Macedonian Orthodox Church congratulated Nikolovski, observing a traditional gift-giving custom. 

The Skopje celebrations began with an Epiphany liturgy led by the Head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric, HH Stefan, earlier this morning at the Nativity of Virgin Mary church.

Archbishop Stefan then lowered from the Sloboda Bridge near the Holiday Inn hotel the Holy Cross into the Vardar as part of this year’s Great Theophany Blessing of Water Epiphany tradition for believers to retrieve.

Photo: MIA