Melbourne’s Greeks showed up to participate in Theofania (Epiphany) celebrations at Rosebud on Monday, 6 January.
Crowds gathered at Rosebud Pier for the Blessing of the Waters ceremony, and 20 young men braved the cool and cloudy summer morning to dive in for the cross.
Matthew Papadimitriou from Florina caught the cross.
Traditionally, the one who finds the cross and returns it to the priest will be the blessed person of the year. Hopefully, young Matthew’s success in finding the cross will mean a good year for the Hawthorn Spartans as he is one of the players who played in the team’s 2019 premiership.
READ MORE: Top 10: Things to know about Epiphany Day (also known as Theofania or Foton)
The Blessing of the Waters ceremony will take place at Port Melbourne on Sunday, 12 January, to coincide with the weekend.
Epiphany Day is celebrated on 6 January and is a day of joy and brightness, as Christians celebrate the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist.
Will you be attending an Epiphany Day service? Send your photos to mary@neoskosmos.com.au
