Orthodox Christians across Bosnia and Herzegovina swam for the Holy Cross of Honour on Friday in a traditional event to mark the Feast of the Epiphany, one of the most significant holidays of Orthodox Christians.

The central celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany began with the service of the Holy Bishop's Liturgy in the Church of Christ the Savior in Banja Luka. After that, the cross was lowered into the Vrbas river. A total of 33 participants swam for the Holy Cross. Among them was Banjaluka mayor Drasko Stanivukovic.

The event also took place in Nevesinje, where sixty competitors, including primary school students, athletes, as well as four women swam for the cross. The local parish priest also participated and many locals greeted the participants of this traditional religious manifestation with applause. The air temperature was 8°C, while the water temperature was about 4°C when participants jumped into the freezing lake Alagovac.

The custom of swimming for the cross originates from ancient times, and it symbolizes an effort to reach purity through torment and suffering.cal aspects of its members.

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