Thousands of members of the Greek-Australian community are expected to attend Epiphany Blessing of the Waters ceremonies in Melbourne, Sydney, and other cities across Australia.
In Melbourne, the main Epiphany celebration will take place on Sunday, 12 January, at Princess Pier, Port Melbourne, according to an announcement from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.
The ceremony, held near the historic port where migrant ships once docked, will include the traditional Blessing of the Waters.
Representatives of Victoria’s political leadership are also expected to attend.
In addition, smaller ceremonies have already been held on Epiphany Day at locations such as Frankston and Rye, marking the sacred event in various regions.
Sydney will host its official Epiphany celebration on Sunday, 12 January, starting at 1pm at Carss Bush Park. The event will bring together clergy and parishioners from all local parishes to mark this significant Orthodox Christian feast.
A notable topic surrounding the ceremonies is the participation of women in the tradition of diving for the Holy Cross. In response to inquiries, the Archdiocese clarified its position last year, stating:
“Women are welcome to dive for the cross, provided they are modestly dressed.”
The Feast of Epiphany, also known as Theophany, commemorates the baptism of Christ in the Jordan River and holds great significance for Orthodox Christians worldwide. These Blessing of the Waters ceremonies serve not only as a sacred tradition but also as a celebration of faith and unity within Australia’s vibrant Greek community.
Full coverage of the ceremonies, along with photographs and details of upcoming events, can be found in our feature pages.
