To our readers from Orthodox countries

[Silent Hunter]

С Рождеством!

Or- Merry Christmas!

[Feanor]

Thank you. Being a christened, though not practicing, Orthodox I'll respond. And of course Merry Christmas to you too.

[neyzen]

Merry Christmas. Is "throwing cross into the sea and diving to find it" worldwide tradition? I think Russians have same tradition or they just swim in cold water... If yes where does the tradition come from?

[BD1]

Merry Christmas !

[foxhound_nn]

thanks:)

Merry Christmas. Is "throwing cross into the sea and diving to find it" worldwide tradition? I think Russians have same tradition or they just swim in cold water... If yes where does the tradition come from?

if i understood correctly then:
Russians have a tradition of swimming in ice-holes but only in orthodox "Epiphany" - 19 Jan (so diving is related with epiphany, in Russian epiphany=christening). Can you do so?
But of course not many people stick to this tradition.

[Southie]

Merry Christmas. Is "throwing cross into the sea and diving to find it" worldwide tradition? I think Russians have same tradition or they just swim in cold water... If yes where does the tradition come from?

In Tarpon Springs, FL, the Greek Orthodox gather for the Epiphany Celebration on Jan 6th. Usually boys 16 - 18 years of age dive for the cross. Tradition says that the boy who retrieves the cross is blessed for the entire year. It is a very big event!

Epiphany Celebration Set For Sunday - News - MSNBC.com