Contrary to Saturday’s ideal sun-drenched summer weather conditions, prompting thousands to gather at Frankston, Rye and Rosebud for the Epiphany celebrations, heavy rain on Sunday deterred many from attending the main Blessing of the Waters event at Port Melbourne’s Princess Pier.
Still, hundreds of parishioners defied unfavourable weather making their way to the city’s historical port of arrival for masses of Greek Australian migrants over the postwar years.
The traditional tossing of the cross into the waters and subsequent race for its retrieval was witnessed with the expected excitement by gathered crowds.
Amongst those brave enough to take the dive, 20-year-old Cosmo Nicolaidis, was the successful retriever, receiving the special church blessing that bestows him a year of good luck ahead, as per the tradition.
Sydneysiders watched the blessing of the waters at Carss Park, with an all-day feast following featuring performances including from Stella Konitopoulou and her band directly from Greece. Michalis Solidakis from Kogarah was the diver who retrieved the cross.
Two Epiphany celebrations also took place in Adelaide on Sunday, with the 44th Blessing of the Waters Ceremony unfolding at Glenelg Jetty organised by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia with over 50 registered swimmers diving for the cross.
The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) held its annual Blessing of the Waters event at Henley Beach foreshore.
Stay tuned for follow-up reports and photos from Epiphany events across Australia and Greece.
