Orthodox Christians celebrate Tuesday Epiphany at church services, but cross-throwing celebrations, part of centuries-long tradition, have been cancelled nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric, Archbishop Stefan officiated an Epiphany service at the Birth of the Holy Mother of God church in Skopje.

Epiphany, he said in his sermon, explains all the other holidays and all other events, it explains to us why Jesus Christ had come, as the son of God, the secret of baptism and that of repentance and confession.

According to him, repentance and confession are all but missing in people’s everyday lives, although being one of the seven sacraments of the church.

“In confession, it is not enough to admit we have sinned and and that we are remorseful for sinning. We shouldn’t sin ever again and to try as much as we can not to sin ever again. But, it is evident that people are not familiar enough with the teachings of their faith,” Archbishop Stefan told the church goers.

After delivering his sermon, Archbishop Stefan performed a sanctification ceremony.

The faithful attending the mass adhered to the health protection protocols by wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.

Orthodox Christians in the country are celebrating Epiphany, according to the Julian calendar, which had been observed since the second century. On this day, it is believed, that St. John the Baptist had baptized Jesus Christ in the river Jordan.

The popular cross-throwing ceremony, which was cancelled this year due to the pandemic, involves priests throwing a cross into rivers or lakes. It is believed that those retrieving it will be blessed with happiness and well-being throughout the year.

Orthodox Christians on Epiphany have a day off from work in line with the Law on Holidays.