The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-01-19
SWIM ICY Waters
FOR G|LDED cross
Foreigners at Steelton
Commemorate B a p
tism of Christ in the
River Jordan
4 MAKE PLUNGE
AFTER EMBLEM
Harry Amphiegian, an American, Sue
ceeds in Recovering the Gross
Ceremony Witnessed by Bulgarian
Consul General, of Washington

Fully 1000 people were attracted TO
the banks of the Susquehanna river
this morning to witness the services
held by the Bulgarians, Macedonians
and Armenians of the borough in com
memoration of the baptism of Christ
in the river Jordan, which had for its
feature the throwing of a gilded cross
far out into the channel and its recov
erv by a strong son of the Balkans.
A strong northwest wind made the
river choppy and at the same time
drove the chill air through the specta
tors, some of whom were not attired
sufficiently warm for the occasion. A
small covered steamer was anchored
near the boat landing at the foot of
Francis street. and in this covered boat
were the contestants who had volun-
teered to swim the icy waters in the at
tempt to recover the cross.
100 Stand Bareheaded Along River
Standing near the boat, but on
shore. with their shoes almost at the
water s edge, were about 100 young
Bulgarian and Macedonian men, each
active, alert and bareheaded. In the
center of this living wall stood the Rev.
Nickolo Pavaloff, arrayed in priestly
robes, and close by his side stood Step
hen Panaretoff, the Bulgarian Consul
General, located at Washington, who
and our Governor" Home Folks,
and take part in the exercises.
Along the outside of the group stood
| four standard bearers, one with the
Stars and Stripes, another held aloft
the red, white and blue striped flag of
Bulgaria while the other two men sup
ported small standards of the local Bull
garian and Macedonian societies.
The services at the bank of the riv-
er. which commenced at 1890 clock,
consumed about 25 minutes and consist
ed of songs, chants and an address by
the Rev. Mr.. Pavaloff, after which the
latter was taken into a row boat and
poled about 80 wears from shore when
he tossed the gilded cross farther out
into the channel. The flinging of the
cross was the signal for the swimmers,
and like porpoises they dashed into the
water each making herculean efforts to
outdistanee the other in nearing the
coveted prize. Harry Amphiegian,
sturdy Armenian, finally distaneed the
other men and siezing the cross, held it
aloft, which was the signal for furious
hand elapping by the hundreds on shore.
The other contestants were Peter jail
noff, Stefan StOanoff and Kostantin "
Standoff.
River Shore Crowded With Spectators
Prior to the exercises at the river.
the Bulgarian church, North Front
street, was crowded, when the Rev.
Nickolo Pavallof held mass, which was
attended by Stephen Pansretoff and his
secretary, George Poulieff A repre-
sentative of Bulgaria, named Mr.. Shop
off, whose business it is TO travel over
the United States and other countries
to locate and number the Bulgarians in
those countries liable to military serv-
ice in the event Bulgaria decides to
abandon her neutral position in the
present European conflict, was also
present.
Consul General Stephen Panaretoff
and his secretary, George Poulieff, ar
rived in the borough last evening and
were guests of honor at a big recep-
tion held by the Bulgarians and Mace
doDians in the Franklin street hall later
in the evening.
In short address to his fellow coun-
trymen he complimented them on the
evidence of progress which he beheld
pm arriving in this section, and admon-
shed them to lead lives which would
be credit to their adopted country as
becomes all true sons of the Balkans.
Cheers for Guest of HonoI
His address was followed by that
pf Secretary Poulieff and members of
he reception committee. Panaretoff