19.01.2026.
Minister Gašić attends Epiphany swimming for Holy Cross in village of Šavrane
Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended today the traditional swimming for the Holy Cross ceremony marking the great Christian feast of Epiphany. The ceremony was held on the Rasina River in the village of Šavrane near Kruševac.
This year’s Epiphany swimming ceremony, the 14th held on the River Rasina, drew more than 180 competitors, including the members of the CBRN Defence Centre. The first to reach the Holy Cross was Uroš Zdravković from Kruševac, who was presented with a traditional Serbian vest by Minister Gašić.
Minister Gašić said that the swimming for the Holy Cross conveys a powerful message of faith, tradition, and unity.
- This day is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our sense of togetherness and spirituality, while also reminding us of the values that tie us together and make us stronger as a community – mutual respect, solidarity, and love. Events like this maintain our identity and traditions and pass them on to younger generations –Minister Gašić said, extending his Epiphany greetings – the traditional Christian phrase “God has revealed himself!”.
Swimming for the Holy Cross was preceded by the Divine Liturgy with the Great Blessing of Waters at the Church of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, followed by a cultural and artistic programme. 