Epiphany Celebration in Tsarevo: The Holy Cross, Bravehearts, and Traditions

06.01.2026 | Region

A solemn liturgy, the ritual of throwing the cross into the sea, and the participation of brave participants from Tsarevo marked the Epiphany celebration. Stoyan Ekshiev and Vasil Sergiev retrieved the cross from the sea waters.

Снимка от Peter Haden from Houston, USA, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Today's holiday in Tsarevo began with a solemn Divine Liturgy in the churches of "St. Tsar Boris - Michael" and "Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary", where dozens of parishioners gathered for a common prayer and blessing.

Traditionally, the Epiphany ritual of throwing the holy cross into the sea waters was also performed at the "Michurin" harbor and "Vasiliko" beach.

This year, a total of 14 daredevils from Tsarevo plunged into the cold waves of the Black Sea, proving once again that spirit and faith are stronger than the cold.

The Holy Cross in the "Michurin" harbor was retrieved by Stoyan Ekshiev, and at "Vasiliko" Vasil Sergiev was the first to reach it.

In the Municipality of Tsarevo, there are 81 men named Yordan and 24 women named Yordanka.