Persistent rain was no match for the faith and tradition on display in Wollongong this week, as a sizeable crowd gathered for the annual Macedonian Orthodox Blessing of the Waters ceremony.
A Timeless Tradition in Modern Wollongong
The event, known as Vodici, took place at Belmore Basin on January 19, 2026. Despite the inclement conditions, the water was filled with young men and women in red shirts, their focus fixed on the shore. There, a priest addressed the swimmers before winding up and throwing a sacred cross into the harbour.
This act sparks a spirited rush, as participants strive to be the one to retrieve, or "save," the cross. Peter Lozenkovski, President of the Macedonian Orthodox Community in Wollongong, emphasised the day's significance. He stated it commemorates "one of the most important" dates in the Eastern Orthodox calendar: the baptism of Jesus Christ by Saint John the Baptist.
"We're reenacting what happened when Jesus blessed the River Jordan," Lozenkovski explained, noting that parishioners would attend "rain, hail, or shine."
The Lucky Catch of the Cross
This year, the honour of retrieving the cross fell to Anthony Rudeski. After years of participating, Rudeski described finally catching the cross as the "best feeling." He admitted to being "shocked" when it was thrown in his direction.
"I had a prediction it was going to go a certain way, and I didn't actually think it was going to," Rudeski shared. "But I guess it was meant to be because it came in that direction."
In a display of community spirit, there was no visible disappointment from the other swimmers. Instead, each took a moment to congratulate Rudeski with a hug before he returned to shore. According to tradition, the person who saves the cross is believed to receive a lifetime of luck.
A Community Event Defying the Elements
The ceremony at Belmore Basin stands as a powerful example of cultural and religious tradition thriving within the Illawarra community. The determination to proceed despite the weather underscores the deep importance of the Vodici ritual for the local Macedonian Orthodox faithful.
The event not only strengthens community bonds but also shares a rich cultural heritage with the wider Wollongong public, adding to the diverse tapestry of local celebrations.
