Despite the relentless rain, around 500 brave faithful and divers, as estimated by organisers, gathered under umbrellas and raincoats for the Blessing of the Waters ceremony at Rosebud, led by Father Lefteris.
Organised by the Brotherhood of Saint Paisios of Australia, the event included the traditional Cross Dive, where 29-year-old Panagiotis Vasilopoulos from Brunswick retrieved the Holy Cross from the sea.
Though the rain disrupted plans for a beach celebration, attendees moved to a nearby venue, where they enjoyed food, music, and dancing in a festive atmosphere.
