With the festive season coming to an end, now comes the time for the annual Blessing of the Waters.
The Epiphany, also called Theofania, is one of the most important days on the Orthodox calendar celebrating the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan by John the Baptist.
Below are some of the events Australia wide where the Blessing of the Waters will take place.
Victoria
RYE – Monday January 6
With the blessing of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Parish of Panagia Kamariani presents Epiphany celebrations at Rye for 2025.
There will be a Matins and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Monastery of Panagia Kamariani, 135 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill 3957.
This will be followed by the Great Blessing of the Waters at Rye Pier presided over by Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne at 1pm.
A Greek panigiri will follow on the Rye foreshore with food, stalls and live music, including DJ Kosta Nico, and traditional dancing from different dancing groups.
FRANKSTON – Monday January 6
The Greek Orthodox Community of Frankston & Peninsula will also hold their Ephiphany at Frankston Beach on Monday January 6 after the 8am Divine Liturgy.
There will be food and sweets to enjoy.
ROSEBUD – Monday January 6
On Monday Pappa Lefteris from the Hellenic Orthodox Brotherhood of St Paisios will perform a Blessing of the Waters at Rosebud Pier at 12pm followed by a Pantoro Hlendi at Rosebud Park.
GEELONG – Monday January 6
For those in Geelong or nearby areas, the Blessing of the Waters will take place after Liturgy on Monday January 6 at St Helens Jetty in Rippleside.
PORT MELBOURNE – Sunday January 12
Over in Port Melbourne, Sunday January 12 will see the Blessing of the Waters take place at Princes Pier.
From 12pm to 5pm there will be fun filled entertainment and food at a Greek glendi.
South Australia
HENLEY BEACH – Sunday January 12
The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia presents its 2025 Henley Beach Greek Festival, incorporating the annual Blessing of the Waters.
This special day of celebration is here for all to enjoy from 11am, while the official Blessing of the Waters will commence at 12pm at the Henley Beach Foreshore.
There will be traditional Greek food, loukoumades, live music and Greek dancing for all to enjoy.
GLENELG – Sunday January 12
The Glenelg Greek Festival and Blessing of the Waters will take place from Friday January 10, 3pm-10pm, Sat Jan 11 10am-11pm and Sun Jan 12 10am-9pm.
An opportunity to partake with others in the tasting of Greek food, music, and dancing. A good opportunity to meet old friends and make some new ones.
The Blessing of the Waters will be on the Sunday.
New South Wales
CARRS PARK – Sunday January 12
On Sunday January 12 there will be an Epiphany Greek Festival in Carrs Park from 11am to 8pm.
The event features entertainment, activities for children, a diverse selection of over 70 product and food stalls, and much more.
WOLLONGONG – Sunday January 12
In Wollongong there will be a gathering at Wollongong Harbour from 12pm.
Queensland
BRISBANE – Sunday January 5
A theophany divine liturgy and service of The Great Sanctification of the water will take place with Matins at 8am and Liturgy at 9am
GOLD COAST – Sunday January 12
The Church of Saint Anna in Gold Coast will be holding the Blessing of the Waters event on Sunday January 12.
Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane will preside over the diving, which will take place at 11.30am at Evandale Lake.
An Epiphany Festival will take place afterwards at St Anna Community Centre in Bundall.
TOWNSVILLE – Saturday January 11
10:30am, Saturday January 11, at the Strand Rockpool.
Festival activities will follow the ceremony.
CAIRNS – Sunday January 12
12:00pm, Sunday, January 12 at Trinity Beach, Cairns.
Festival activities will follow the ceremony.
ACT
CASUARINA SANDS – Sunday January 12
On Sunday, January 12 at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church there will be an event following Divine Liturgy.
The Blessing of the Waters will take place at 11.30am at Casuarina Sands, with food and drinks available for all.
Western Australia
MATILDA BAY – Monday January 6
The Archdiocesan District of Perth is hosting an Epiphany celebration at Matilda Bay Reserve from 11.30am.
Open to those over 15, capable of swimming 300 metres.
There will be Greek food and entertainment provided by a live Greek band.
At 12.30pm Bishop Elpidios of Perth will conduct the Blessing of the Waters
Northern Territory
DARWIN – Sunday January 5
Church of St Nicholas, Divine Liturgy and Blessing of the Waters. Darwin Waterfront
The Blessing of the Waters will follow the 7am-10am Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Savvas of Kalymnos.
Tasmania
HOBART – Sunday January 12
At 12.30pm, Sandown Beach, Sandy Bay, Hobart will see the Blessing of the Waters ceremony by the Greek Orthodox Church of St George The Martyr.
