A Physical Education Student Caught the Cross

[06/01/2011]

The Plovdiv Bishop, Nikolay, sanctified the battle flags on the top of St. Jordan`s Day and led a procession of worshippers from the cathedral temple "Holy Virgin" to the River Maritza`s banks for the ritual throw of the cross. The Fair Bridge was blackened by believers, who came to hear the prayer words and to get a blessing. There were thirty candidates wishing to catch the cross. The 24-th year old Physical Education student from the Plovdiv University, Stoycho Kerkelov, got off his clothes last but reached the wooden cross first in the icy water of the river. The young man is a professional swimmer and he throws himself for the crucifix ninth year in succession.