Kristijan Ninevski from Skopje retrieved from Vardar River on Saturday the Holy Cross the Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia HH Stefan cast on the waters as part of the Orthodox Epiphany celebration.

This is Ninevski’s first time to fish out the crucifix despite participating in the annual Epiphany event for the sixth consecutive year.

“Health and happiness to all, God has answered,” said Ninevski wading out of the icy waters.

He was one of some 140 participants in the ritual believed to bring blessings to whomever retrieves the crucifix.