Orthodox Christians in Istanbul reenacted the baptism of Christ with a traditional cross-throwing ceremony Wednesday, at several waterfront locations in the city.
After a four-hour ceremony held by Patriarch Bartholomew at the Fener Greek Patriarchate, a group of priests and Christians went to the Fener dock, where the patriarch threw a large cross into the sea.
Young men assembled as part of the group then jumped in the frigid water, all swimming to reach the cross and bring it back to dry land. Dimitris Kouzonis was first to reach the cross and return it to the patriarch, who awarded him with a golden cross pendant.
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