On the great holiday of Epiphany, swimming for the Holy Cross took place across Serbia.
A beautiful scene in which Orthodox faith and tradition are honored on this holy day traditionally came from Čačak. The banks of the West Morava were filled with citizens who were there to support the brave swimmers.
A total of 183 participants swam in the icy river, among them as many as 87 women. Reaching the Holy Cross first for the first time was paratriathlete Lazar Filipović.
“For twenty years I have dreamed of this moment and finally my wish has come true. I am grateful to God for that,” Lazar told RINA.
The public in Serbia has already come to know this young man as a brave individual who overcomes all obstacles before him, because despite being visually impaired he has achieved excellent results in sports.
Another beautiful event marked today’s swimming for the Holy Cross, as one of the swimmers, after emerging from the cold river, to everyone’s surprise proposed to his girlfriend, who of course said yes.
The day when, according to the Gospel, the heavens opened and God addressed people, Christians have celebrated for centuries as one of the greatest holidays. And those believers who swim for the Holy Cross symbolize unity and togetherness in faith. Organized by the Sports Center “Mladost,” and under the patronage of the city of Čačak, the swimming for the Holy Cross was held for the 22nd consecutive year.
“It is important that in these difficult times we show unity in faith and perseverance so that we can more easily overcome all the trials placed before us. We are pleased that this year as well a large number of swimmers registered for the Holy Cross, because this event is sporting, but above all spiritual and religious, and we see that young people continue to preserve old customs and tradition,” the organizers said.
At the Čačak Cultural Center, an Epiphany academy will be held at which the winner, as well as the other participants, will receive well-deserved recognitions.
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Source: RINA; Foto: RINA