Also, the images of thousands of believers gathered in processions to receive the Great Aghiasma could be a keepsake this year. On the banks of the Danube, the authorities canceled the custom of throwing the Cross of the Epiphany into the water, reports TVR 1 news.

In previous years, the sanctification of the houses of the Epiphany began on December 31. The health crisis and the fear of catching the new coronavirus imposed new rules.

In Timisoara, the priests decided to let the believers choose whether or not to receive them with the Baptism of the Lord. The parishioners found in the mailboxes announcements with telephone numbers where they can request the coming of the priest with Epiphany.

The priest and the teacher will enter the houses only at the request of the faithful.

In the Capital, the arrival of the priest is announced with the Epiphany at the entrance of the block. Clerics and singers will wear masks and gloves and the distance of 1.5 m will be respected.

Cristina Văduva, TVR journalist: “The Patriarchate has not yet announced how Aghiasma Mare will reach the faithful this year. In parishes, one of the options could be to divide the holy water into half-liter bottles, one for each believer ”.

This year in Galați, the Epiphany processions were removed from the list.

Alina Salanți, TVR correspondent: “If in recent years dozens of daredevils jumped into the Danube after the consecrated cross, now the pandemic has stopped these traditions. The authorities have abandoned this custom, and on Epiphany day only regular religious services will be held.

Epiphany is celebrated each year on January 6, when the winter holidays officially end.