Crowds of Orthodox faithful plunged into freezing cold waters in a lake in Vršac in Serbia on Wednesday, to mark the Christian holiday of Epiphany.

Every year on 19 January the Serbian Orthodox Church in that city organises an event called Swimming for Holy Cross.

It symbolises the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, known as Theophany in Eastern Orthodoxy.

This year the event celebrated its 10th anniversary. As well as large numbers of competitors, the city's mayor and bishop were present.

This footage was filmed and produced 19 January 2022.

Every year on January 19th in the City of Vršac in Serbia, Serbian Orthodox Church organizes a manifestation called Swimming for Holy Cross. It symbolizes Baptism of Jesus (Theophany) in Jordan river. This year manifestation celebrates 10th anniversary. As always, this year the event on frozen lake gathered a large number of competitors Vršac and the surrounding area. In addition to them, the mayor and the bishop were present.