The 2025 Henley Beach Greek Festival and Blessing of the Waters, a signature event of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA), drew hundreds of attendees to the Henley Beach Foreshore on Sunday.
The day commenced with a procession of clergy, parishioners, and guests to the end of the jetty for the Epiphany ceremony. More than 30 brave swimmers plunged into the cool waters of St Vincent’s Gulf, vying to retrieve the ceremonial cross.
This year’s winner was 15-year-old Kristijan Radovanovic from Woodcroft, whose family hails from Serbia. It was his first time participating in the event. “[I feel] really good. I was thinking about going in. My dad said, ‘just go in,'” Kristijan said after retrieving the cross.
Kristijan was awarded a gold cross by GOCSA, along with a special robe donated by the Greek Women’s Society of South Australia, “O Taxiarchis,” and a commemorative trophy.
Following the ceremony, attendees gathered to hear speeches from community leaders and dignitaries.
“Epiphany brings a message of spiritual rebirth. It reminds us Greeks worldwide to continue defending the values and ideals that shaped our history and culture—Humanism, Solidarity, Democracy, and Justice,” GOCSA President Peter Gardiakos said, expressing gratitude to the volunteers and sponsors who made the event possible.
South Australian Minister for Multicultural Affairs Zoe Bettison reflected on the festival’s cultural inclusivity, particularly noting the participation of the Ukrainian SLAVA group.
“By inviting them here today, you show your support for our wider community. We are not at peace at this time, and our hearts are with Ukrainians as they continue to fight the invasion,” she said.
Other prominent attendees included Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler MP, State Member for Colton Matt Cowdrey OAM MP, and the Mayor of the City of Charles Sturt Angela Evans, who praised the event for fostering community connections.
The formalities gave way to vibrant cultural performances, including dances by the Pontian Brotherhood of SA, SLAVA Ukrainian Cultural Centre, and the GOCSA Dance Academy. Live music by the local band Kerasma Live kept the atmosphere lively, while guests enjoyed traditional Greek delicacies from the bustling food stalls.
The Mayor of Charles Sturt, Angela Evans, stressed the importance of volunteers in bringing such events to life.
“Take the opportunity when you see volunteers to say ‘Thank you.’ Events like this do not happen without their support,” she said.