The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, celebrating the great Christian holiday - Epiphany, attended the ceremony of throwing the cross into the sanctified waters in Valandovo and Gevgelija.

President Ivanov stressed that the celebration of Epiphany is a tradition among our people and expressed satisfaction that over the years, its celebration in the south of Macedonia, has become a regional event attended by the citizens of all municipalities in the surrounding area. I congratulate the luckiest who catch the cross, wishing them happiness throughout the year, and to share happiness with others, President Ivanov said, adding that holiday traditions give us the possibility to spend time with our closest ones in joint celebration.
At the ceremony marking the Epiphany at the city pool in Valandovo, Daniel Zanov caught the sanctified cross. President Ivanov awarded him the unique Cross with Macedonian rubies. Zanov said that being the fastest and happiest among the participants, his greatest desire came true – he caught the cross, and said he will continue the tradition. The celebration of Epiphany in Gevgelija, Ilija Gjorgjiev from Mrzenci was the happiest among the participants and caught the cross in the sanctified waters of the River Vardar for a second time. I am very happy, I will share my happiness with all citizens of Gevgelija. I will visit all Christian homes with the Holy Cross so that my fellow citizens have healthy and prosperous the new year, Gjorgjiev said.

President Ivanov, congratulating the holiday to all Orthodox believers, wished the luckiest health and happiness, and said that the cross should always remind them of this great day. Epiphany is a holiday which marks the baptism as one of the pillars of Christianity, in honor of the day when John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ. The act of catching the cross marks the union of man with Christ, hence is believed that it brings health, happiness and prosperity.