The Epiphany gathered thousands of people at the Archbishopric of Tomis

Every year, on January 6^th, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Epiphany.

Because the sea was very agitated, this year, the crosses were thrown into Tomis Harbour.

This year too, it has been a great cram at Saints Apostles Peter and Paul Archbishopric Cathedral, where took place the Holy Mass celebrated by His Holiness Teodosie in honor of Lord's Baptism.

The Cathedral proved, once again, cramped for the Christians who came to pray and to take home Holy Water. Even early in the morning, tens of citizens had to wait outside, in the cold, in front of the Archbishopric, because inside there was no more room.

From here, His Holiness Teodosie and the priests who preached in the Cathedral, followed by the Christians, went to the scene arranged specially for this day, near the Casino, where took place the service for Consecration of the Waters. The wooden barrels were brought, according to the traditions, in ox drawn carts. The oxen, but especially the three donkeys named two years ago, at Harvest Day, The Prosecutor, Dolanescu, and little Rita, made the attraction mostly for the kids.

Like real stars, the oxen and the donkeys participated at lots of photo sessions.

The Holy Water was enough for all the Christians

Only yesterday, during the service, approximately five tones of water got Consecration.

His Holiness Teodosie advised the Christians to drink the Holy Water, because it protects them from evil. "It is water of untainted, it never taints, not in a thousand years. It is Holy because it is filled with gifts from The Holy Spirit. It is filled with angelical strength. It is healing; it chases away the bad spirits. It helps in troubles; it is healing water for every need we have. That's why, the ones who haven't eat should drink it from today (6^th of January), and the others starting tomorrow till 14^th of January", were the words of the Archbishop of Tomis, His Holiness Teodosie.

Approximately 20 young men jumped into the cold water

After the Consecration service, according to the tradition, His Holiness Teodosie threw 3 crosses into the sea, in order to be recovered by three brave young men. This happened in Tomis Harbour, because at the sea the waves were too high and they could cause problems. There, approximately twenty men jumped into the icy water. The first who recovered a cross was 21 years old Fedul Mihai Michena, member of the Lifeguards Association from Constanţa. This young man dedicated this accomplishment to a colleague who passed away two years ago. The second cross was brought to shore by 24 years old Radu Ion from Mangalia, and the third was recovered by 27 years old Andrei Imbrea from Bucharest. The last one said that he always wished to take out the cross from the water, because he believes this could bring him luck.