Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria prepare for Epiphany

On January 5, on the eve of Epiphany, Holy Liturgy and water blessing are performed in Orthodox churches across Bulgaria. People often call the ritual “Voditsi”. This holiday closes the cycle of the so-called "dirty days" that start on December 25. They are called "dirty" or "unbaptized" because it is believed that the newborn Jesus had not yet received Holy Baptism. The meaning of the ritual is to cleanse the earth of otherworldly beings through the power of the Cross and to prepare the world for the great baptism that is to come. At the service the priest drops the cross into holy water. Then he goes around the homes to sprinkle them for protection against bad things and diseases.