Burgas, Bulgaria – In a cherished Christian tradition celebrated annually on Jordan’s Day, 18-year-old Kalin Uzunov from the Acad. Nikola Obreshkov High School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics emerged victorious in retrieving the cross from the Black Sea.
This year’s event, held at the beach near the iconic bridge in Burgas, attracted 56 participants, ranging in age from 16 to 72 years. Kalin, who has been training as a water polo athlete for 12 years, attributed his success to his rigorous training.
“I wish everyone in Burgas good luck and health. May they follow their dreams and goals. May they succeed in achieving everything, just as I managed to catch the cross,” he said.
He expressed gratitude for his perseverance, stating, “Every year I jump, and with each one, I was closer and closer. This year I was lucky. I hope next year someone else will succeed.”
Metropolitan Arseny of Sliven presided over the ceremony, blessing Kalin after his swift retrieval of the cross. The Mayor of Burgas, Dimitar Nikolov, also congratulated the young savior, adding a warm note to the jubilant atmosphere.
Thousands Gather for a Time-Honored Tradition
The Jordan’s Day celebrations drew thousands of Burgas residents to the beach, where they observed the cross-throwing ceremony and collected holy water.
The event began with a ritual to bless the battle flags of the Military Garrison – Burgas and a prayer service for the health of the Bulgarian army. The service took place at St. Cyril and Methodius Square and was led by Metropolitan Arseny of Sliven.
Notable attendees included Mayor Dimitar Nikolov, Regional Governor Maria Neykova, MPs from the GERB Party Andrey Runchev and Zhecho Stankov, as well as municipal councilors and public figures.
Senior Commissioner Nikolay Nikolaev, Director of the Regional Directorate for Fire Safety and Population Protection, and Senior Commissioner Vladimir Marinov, Director of the Burgas Regional Directorate for Fire Safety, were also present, emphasizing the importance of the tradition to the community and local leadership.
Women Absent from This Year’s Contest
Despite the high number of participants, no women joined the competition this year. The youngest competitor was 16 years old, while the oldest participant was 72, showcasing the broad appeal and enduring significance of the tradition.
A Symbol of Faith and Community
The cross-throwing ceremony is a longstanding Christian ritual celebrated on Epiphany, or Jordan’s Day, symbolizing the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. The act of retrieving the cross is seen as a blessing and a mark of good fortune for the year ahead.
This year’s ceremony underscored the unity and spiritual connection of the Burgas community, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate their shared faith and traditions.
As the crowd dispersed, many expressed admiration for Kalin’s determination and success, marking him as an inspiration for young people across the city. His achievement serves as a testament to dedication, faith, and the enduring power of community traditions.