While it is customary for men to dominate the retrieval of the Holy Cross during Theophany celebrations, it was two women, one in Melbourne and another in Canberra, who defied expectations this year.

Scarlett Athanasia Bauwens makes waves in Melbourne

Among 34 men diving off Princes Pier in Port Melbourne during the Blessing of the Waters ceremony, one woman stood out: Scarlett Athanasia Bauwens. Originally from Mauritius, Scarlett shared with Neos Kosmos how her deep connection with Greek culture and lifestyle led her to convert to Orthodox Christianity and adopt the name Athanasia.

“Well I thought in Greece, a lot of women every year have been swimming and since I was here thought I might as well jump in?” she said.

Before taking the leap, however, Scarlett sought clarity.

As a “new member” of the Greek Orthodox Church, having been baptised just last year, Scarlett stated that “it would be nice to see more women participating” in such a “male-dominated” tradition. Photo: Nicolette Kalafatis

“I wanted to actually find out if I was allowed because I heard in Australia the Greek Church does not allow (women to participate).”

An article she read recently cleared any doubts and gave her the ‘green light’.

“I thought, I should go. I should be part of this event.”

The Archdiocese had previously clarified to Neos Kosmos: “Women are welcome to dive for the Cross, provided they are appropriately dressed.”

“I felt proud of myself, and very happy that other women felt proud that a woman managed to dive, aiming to catch the Cross.” Photo: Nicolette Kalafatis

As a new member of the Orthodox Church—she was baptised last year—Scarlett expressed her hope to see more women participate in the future in what has traditionally been a male-dominated custom.

“I actually thought a lot of women were going to come and that was a little bit surprised when I was alone.” Scarlett’s decision drew mixed reactions. While some women applauded her, others disapproved.

“There were a couple of women that came up to me whilst I was registering, telling me that I shouldn’t be registering as I am a woman and I decided to just ignore that,” she said.

Scarlett was heartened by the positive feedback she received, including support from Bishop Evmenios and messages on social media.
“I was proud of myself, but also I was very happy for women to be proud of a woman to actually do the jump and go for the cross.”

Scarlett Athanasia Bauwens with Bishop Evmenios. Photo: Nicolette Kalafatis

Her act of courage also inspired others.

“About four women told me that their daughters would actually come next year to Port Melbourne.”

Scarlett, who splits her time between Athens and a small village near Sparta with her Greek Australian partner, Kostas, said she would dive again.

“I was so honoured and very happy to do this swim and definitely next year I’ll do it. I’m not sure if I’ll be in Greece this time of the year but I’m in Greece, I’ll do it in Gytheio which is the closest beach to me from Sparta.”

“In Greece, many women swim every year (for the Cross), and since I was here, I thought I could dive too,” said Scarlett Athanasia Bauwens to Neos Kosmos. Photo: Nicolette Kalafatis

Despite the positive experience, Scarlett noted “one thing” that “disappointed” her.

“A group of swimmers actually just jumped in and started swimming, so a lot of us were confused… then we all decided to just jump and swim so there’s a bit of a pity that we had no idea when to jump and so a group of swimmers just started before us.”

“Some women approached me when I was registering, telling me that I shouldn’t participate because I am a woman, but I chose to ignore them,” said Scarlett. Photo: Nicolette Kalafatis

Lillian Mavroudis breaks stereotypes in Canberra

In Canberra, 12-year-old Lillian Mavroudis added a feminine touch to the Theophany Cross retrieval. Inspired by Victoria Paneras, the first female swimmer to retrieve the Cross in South Australia in 2019, Lillian decided to challenge the tradition herself.

Her mother, Donna-lee Mavroudis, spoke to Neos Kosmos about the “mix of pride and nervousness” she felt watching her daughter dive.

“After 12 months of her committing to dive and being really excited, on the morning of the actual blessing, Lillian developed cold feet at the realisation that she will likely be the only female diving.” Donna-lee said.

In the center (fourth from the right) is 12-year-old Lillian (Margareta) Mavroudis. Photo: Supplied/Donna-lee Mavroudis

She said her daughter understandably “felt nervous because this is typically something you only see males doing.”

“So naturally, I was nervous for her too.” When the time came, however, Lillian overcame her nerves, supported by those around her.

Lillian’s brother ultimately retrieved the Cross in Canberra, but her mother expressed equal pride in both her children.

Mrs Mavroudis specifically stated that her daughter, Lillian (Margareta) Mavroudis (third from the right), mentioned that “it would be wonderful if other girls joined her in the Blessing of the Waters ceremony and the Diving for the Holy Cross next year.” Photo: Supplied/Donna-lee Mavroudis

“Having my son catch the cross was amazing, and I am incredibly proud and feel very blessed for him, although I was just as proud of my daughter for being brave enough to break down gender barriers and having the courage to dive and I really hope this is something we see more of,” she said.

Donna-lee, inspired by Scarlett Athanasia Bauwens’ participation in Melbourne, added: “It’s wonderful to see women swimmers being represented in other areas as well.”

The family received an outpouring of support, with comments like, “This is the year for girls!” and “Wow, how amazing to see a girl participating!”

“My son catching the Cross was amazing, and I feel incredibly proud. However, I felt equally proud of my daughter, who had the courage to break gender stereotypes and dive,” Donna-lee Mavroudis told Neos Kosmos. Photo: Supplied/Donna-lee Mavroudis