In sub-zero temperatures, nine Bulgarians jumped into the icy waters of Lake Michigan for the Epiphany cross, the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Chicago announced on its Facebook page. The cross was retrieved by 18-year-old Danail Kirilov from Kyustendil. The ritual was led by priest Kiril from the Bulgarian Orthodox Church “St. Sofia”.

Priest Marko led a Great Blessing of Water on the pier in Santa Monica, California, the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Los Angeles announced on its Facebook page. Dozens of Bulgarians celebrated the holiday, and the cross was retrieved by Theo Mihalev, 14, who is a graduate of the Bulgarian school “Sts. Cyril and Methodius” in Los Angeles.

A Great Blessing of Water for Epiphany was also held at the Bulgarian Orthodox Church “St. George the Victorious" in Orlando, the church announced on its Facebook page, BTA reports.