Istanbul's Orthodox community marked Epiphany (January 6) by diving into the cold sea to retrieve a wooden cross.

Locals and media lined the shore to get a glimpse of the group who took part in the annual tradition.

This footage was filmed and produced 6 January 2023.

Epiphany was observed on Friday in Turkey with the Orthodox community gathering for a cheered ritual: retrieving a wooden cross from sea. Amid measures against COVID-19, the faithful gathered on the shores of Istanbul, where a majority of the community lives.

Central location for celebrations was the coast of Golden Horn, where Patriarch Bartholomew I, spiritual leader for millions of Orthodox faithful in the world, presided the ceremony at Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. It was the first time the patriarch attended a religious service after he recently recovered from a COVID-19 infection. A limited number of people were allowed inside Aya Yorgi (St. George) Church of the patriarchate for the service and only after they were inquired for their Life Fits Into Home (Hayat Eve Sığar – HES) codes, which checks their COVID-19 status, were examined.

Under watchful eye of Maritime Police, 10 people among the crowd jumped into the sea. Tanos Apostolakis, a member of congregation who came second place in last year’s race, was the winner of this year’s race to find the wooden cross thrown into waters by the Patriarch.