Across the country, Orthodox Christian believers today celebrated the day of the Holy Water, an ancient ritual that conveys messages of good luck and prosperity. This day symbolizes the start of a new life full of faith and devotion to God and Jesus Christ. The following chronicle introduces us to the ritual of throwing the cross into the water in some of the country’s cities.

In the city of Berat, January 6 is celebrated every year as a Great Holiday for all Christian believers. 11 young people threw themselves into the River Osum, while the cross was caught by the 15-year-old, Kostandin Boçi.

The day of blessed water was also celebrated on January 6 in Vlora through the traditional ceremony of throwing the cross into the sea, which was led by Father Kostandin Prifti. The cross was caught by Albert Bollano.

Orthodox believers in Fier have celebrated the blessed water day at the fountain of Europa Square. It was the 30-year-old Dhimitër Kapaj who pulled the cross out of the water, to then present it to Metropolitan Father Nikolla, who in turn blessed the believers.

The blessed water ceremony in Elbasan was led by the Metropolitan of Elbasan, Shpati and Librazhd, Monsignor Andoni, who also delivered his message on this blessed day. Vangjel Bilbili, 13 years old from Elbasan, was the one who caught the cross in the water, personifying another good and lucky year for him.

In Lezha, dozens of Catholic believers joined the religious ritual in the St. Nicholas Cathedral, where the blessing of water ceremony took place, while the priest blessed the families.

January 6 symbolizes to Christian believers the day of the baptism of Lord Jesus Christ, and the cleansing of waters around the world, heralding the God’s compassion.

/a.p./