FROM THIS YEAR, THE SWIM FOR THE HOLY CROSS HELD IN THE UNITED STATES AS WELL

For the first time this year, Serbs in the United States took part in the traditional Epiphany Swim for the Holy Cross, marking the great Orthodox Christian holiday far from their homeland. The historic event was held in the city of Milwaukee, in the U.S. state of Wisconsin.

PHOTO: Antonije Tony Kovačević

Parishioners of the Church of Saint Sava, led by Father Radomir Ćutilo, bravely entered Lake Little Muskego despite freezing conditions, with temperatures dropping to minus 15 degrees Celsius. The Holy Cross, which shone in the hands of Father Ćutilo, symbolized the preservation of faith, unity, and centuries-old tradition.

“Young people and those who feel young clenched their teeth and plunged into the lake, whose temperature today fell far below zero,” wrote Antonije Kovačević from Serbian Times on his Facebook profile, describing the courageous act of the participants.

The Serbian Orthodox Church and its faithful celebrate Epiphany on January 19, commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan, when God revealed Himself to mankind in three persons — the Holy Trinity.

On this day, holy water is blessed in Orthodox churches, believed to possess miraculous and healing properties, while believers greet one another with the traditional words: “God revealed Himself — Truly He revealed Himself!”

The Swim for the Holy Cross is traditionally organized across the Republic of Srpska, Serbia, and other Orthodox countries, and with this year’s event in Milwaukee, the tradition has now proudly crossed the Atlantic, uniting the Serbian diaspora in faith and heritage.