The Blessing of the Waters returns to Melbourne after two years of Covid-related restrictions.
The official liturgy will be held at the Greek Orthodox Church of The Holy Epiphany in Frankston on Friday, 6 January 2023, at 8.30am followed by the first, ‘mikros agiasmos’ on the day by Archbishop Makarios and Bishops Kyriakos and Evmenios which will take place after 1pm at the Frankston Pier. After the dive for the Holy Cross there will be celebratory lunch at the Frankston Parish Community Hall.
The main event, according to the Archdiocese will take place on Sunday, 8 January at Princess Pier in Port Melbourne.
Hundreds of Greek Australians are expected to line up on the pier to dive for the blessing of the Holy Cross right beside the historical dock that brought thousands of Greek migrants to Australia.
State and local government officials, including esteemed members of the clergy and the community are expected to attend the liturgy and ceremony.
In Sydney the joint celebration of the Holy Epiphany and the Blessing of the Waters will be conducted on 8 January at Yarra Bay, in Bicentennial Park. The dive for the Holy Cross will commence at 1pm, officiated by Archbishop Makarios. At 1.30pm the yearly Theofania festivities will kick off with live Greek music and traditional dancers, while attendees will have the opportunity to taste Greek delicacies and drinks at the pop-up stall area.
The annual event is celebrated worldwide by Orthodox Christians and is one of the most anticipated events on the theological calendar.
