The Diocese Cannot Assume Responsibility for the Epiphany Cross Swimming at Lake Gazivode

On the occasion of the forthcoming feast of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ – Theophany, the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated in all churches and monasteries of the Diocese of Raška and Prizren, followed by the Great Blessing of Water.

We invite the faithful to gather in as great a number as possible in their parish churches and monasteries, in order to mark this great Christian feast prayerfully and liturgically and to take blessed water to their homes for blessing.

Bearing in mind the Church’s responsibility for the health and safety of the faithful, the Diocese of Raška and Prizren hereby informs the public that, regrettably, it is once again unable this year to assume responsibility for the organisation of, or participation in, the Epiphany swimming for the Honorable Cross at Lake Gazivode, as announced by certain media outlets. At the location near the dam, there are currently no conditions that would allow for the safe holding of such an event, given the extremely low temperatures and the fact that the depth of the lake at that point exceeds 100 metres. Under the existing circumstances, it is also not possible to ensure an adequate number of lifeguards and professional divers who could provide appropriate safety support for the announced large number of participants.

We thank the faithful for their understanding and call upon everyone to celebrate the feast of Theophany in a spirit of prayer, unity, and responsibility.

Diocese of Raška and Prizren