More people swim in Zapadna Morava on Epiphany than did in August: A boy reaches the cross first

Photo: RINA

That one never deviates from the faith and that love for tradition knows no obstacles was once again demonstrated by swimmers who braved the icy Zapadna (West) Morava River on the Orthodox feast of Epiphany in order to try to be the first to reach the Holy Cross. After a one-year break, 106 competitors applied, so today, in the middle of January, there were more swimmers in the river that flows through Cacak than there were on St. Elija in August.

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What marked today's competition is a beautiful gesture, because older participants let the youngest realize their dream. 12-year-old Pavle Mecanin was the first to swim to the cross and win the Epiphany race.

"This is the third time I have been swimming in the Morava for Epiphany, and I've won for the first time. This is a really special event that cannot be described in words," said the sixth grade student from the Elementary School Dragisa Misovic in Cacak.

The day when, according to the Gospel, the heavens opened up and God spoke to peoplehas been celebrated by Christians as one of the greatest holidays for centuries. And those believers who swim for the Holy Cross symbolize assembly and unity in faith. Two girls also swam side by side with men this year. Organized by the Sports Center Mladost, under the auspices of the city of Cacak, the Epiphany race for the Holy Cross was held for the 17th time this year.

"After a one-year break, we continued with this beautiful tradition and I am glad that over 100 participants applied again. Congratulations on the courage, especially to the youngest and the ladies who also swam for the Holy Cross. This is more than a competition and the outcome is always secondary. A tradition that has lasted for centuries and is still respected today, a beautiful message significant for the entire Christian, Orthodox world has been sent from the Morava and Cacak," said the town's mayor, Milun Todorovic.

Priests stress that swimming in icy water is, in a way, a test of faith and piety. Those who want to race for the Holy Cross should observe the Christmas lent, confess and receive communion, and in that way prepare spiritually, rather than only physically, for this feat. In that case, the competitive angle really means the least.

(Telegraf.rs)