By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia

A large number of Christians in the Western Balkan states of Serbia and Montenegro gathered in their respective capitals in celebration of the Epiphany commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ.

Every year, numerous young men in Belgrade and Podgorica jump into the ice cold waters to retrieve the holy cross as part of the celebration of Epiphany. The first one to bring the cross back to shore is declared the winner of the competition.

In Belgrade, at the Zemun quay, water temperature was close to zero degree Celsius. Since the Danube river was partially frozen, swimmers took turns to jump in.

The winner of the competition in Belgrade, Sinisa Ivanovic, boasted before reporters that the water was "relatively hot" and was only cold the first 10 seconds.

"When children in Russia can do it, we [adults] can also do it here," said Ivanovic. "We are all winners; whoever enters the water is a winner."

Traditional swimming for the Epiphany Cross was also held at other locations across Serbia where members of the army and gendarmerie also participated.

Meanwhile, the competition in Pogdorica's Moraca river was attended by more than 100 men and two women, who sang songs about Kosovo.

The winner of the competition Rade Dabetic said that it was his first participation.

"It feels wonderful. I'll come back next year to swim for the cross," said Dabetic.

The Epiphany is a Christian holiday that celebrates the revelation of God to mankind in human form, in the person of Jesus Christ. It is usually celebrated on Jan. 6, but on the 19th by old-calendar churches.