Holy Theophany (Yordanovden)

On January 6, Christians celebrate Holy Theophany (Yordanovden). This day commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, and is one of the great feats of the Church. It is also regarded as Day of Light and Enlightenment. It is celebrated by the Orthodox Church with a festive ceremony. After the symbolic christening of water, the priest throws a cross in a river or in the sea and men race to grab it. It is believed that if the cross freezes in the water the year will be fertile and the people – healthy. In Sofia the cross is thrown in the lake in Druzhba quarter. Yordan, Yordana, Yordanka, Bistra, Bogdan, Bogolyuba, Bogomil, Bozhana, Borislava, Boyan and others celebrate their name day on this date.