The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia marked the 46th year of Epiphany celebrations in Glenelg, South Australia, with a three-day festival held along the foreshore from January 9 to 11.
The event brought together families, clergy, civic leaders and visitors to celebrate faith, culture and community against Adelaide’s coastline, reaffirming an ancient Christian feast that remains central to the Greek Orthodox diaspora.
The highlight of the weekend was the Blessing of the Waters ceremony, led by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, with clergy and faithful processing onto the Glenelg Jetty to commemorate the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan and the revelation of the Holy Trinity.
The contest for the Cross
This year, approximately 50 competitors competed for the honour of retrieving the blessed cross. Emerging triumphant was 25-year-old Jozef Kogoj, a first-time winner from Adelaide, who claimed victory in a tight contest, outpacing the competition to secure the win.
Baptised into the faith just one year ago, Kogoj reflected humbly on the significance of the moment, saying he “wouldn’t have thought I’d be able to win this soon.”
Kogoj is also the first winner ever from the Parish of St Sophrony in Hectorville, which is the first dedicated English-speaking Orthodox Church in SA,
Speaking to The Greek Herald, Kogoj described the personal resonance of the occasion, saying he was “feeling very blessed to have the opportunity to participate in such an amazing event” and that “seven months ago me and my wife Elena got married, so maybe this is a sign of a very special year ahead of us which we have been praying for.”
He concluded by thanking the Archdiocese and Bishop Silouan “for organising such an amazing event that highlights the importance of the Theophany of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
Glendi celebrations
South Australian Premier The Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP attended the Epiphany celebrations, describing the occasion as both a religious and civic moment that reflects shared values of faith, unity and compassion.
“The Epiphany is an opportunity for us to come together,” he said, noting its significance in reflecting on baptism, community and mutual responsibility. He linked the celebration to the principles of liberal democracy in Australia, emphasising unity, respect for faith, peaceful coexistence and humanity.
The Premier also highlighted the Greek community as an example of successful multiculturalism, praising its long-standing contribution to SA and its role in fostering optimism, peace and prosperity.
Opposition Leader The Hon. Ashton Hurn MP, attending her first Blessing of the Waters, reflected on the symbolism of water as a source of life and tradition, and said the ceremony was an opportunity to pray for safety and prosperity for those who rely on the sea.
Acknowledging the significance of the event, the Government pledged, and the Opposition matched, a commitment to increasing funding to host the event from $27,000 to $40,000 annually. The funding model will also shift from year-by-year applications to a once-off grant of $160,000 across four years, aimed at securing the festival’s future.
Preserving culture and tradition
The celebrations extended beyond the religious ceremony, with the Glenelg foreshore coming alive with music, food, and faith, that has been cherished and passed down through generations.
This was personified by the Pontian Brotherhood of SA, Messinian Greek Dance School of SA, St George College Dance Group and St Anthony’s Youth Dance Group, who captivated attendees with traditional Greek dance performances.
The program also marked a significant milestone with the GOCSA Dance Academy being invited to perform for the first time, showcasing the strength of collaboration and strength of the Greek community.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Dr Vladimir Devrelis, President of the Intercommunities Council for the Holy Diocese of Adelaide, expressed his gratitude to the crowd and dignitaries, emphasising its spiritual importance.
Dr Devrelis then acknowledged the collective effort behind the festival, thanking the volunteers for the time, energy and expertise they gave so generously to ensure the success of the celebrations and describing their contribution as both inspirational and essential.
While centred on the Blessing of the Waters, the festival also honours the legacy of Greek migrants who built new lives in SA, with Glenelg’s shores continuing to host the living practice of their faith and traditions across generations.
Other dignitaries in attendance included His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide; the Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP, Treasurer of South Australia and Minister for Energy and Mining; the Hon Andrea Michaels MP, Minister for Small and Family Business, Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, and Minister for Arts; the Hon Dennis Hood MLC, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs; the Hon Connie Bonaros MLC; Mr Stephen Patterson MP, Local Member for Morphett; Ms Cressida O’Hanlon MP, Member for Dunstan; Ms Alice Rolls, State Labor Candidate for Unley, representing the Hon Steve Georganas MP, Federal Member for Adelaide; the Hon Nikolaos Varellas, Deputy High Commissioner for the Republic of Cyprus in Canberra; Colonel (Art) Kyriakos Kyriakakos, Defence Attaché of the Embassy of Greece in Canberra; Mayor Amanda Wilson, Mayor of the City of Holdfast Bay; Mayor Michael Coxon of the City of West Torrens; Ms Jane Fleming, Deputy Mayor of the City of Holdfast Bay and Liberal Candidate for Gibson; and Councillor Mary Couros, representing the Lord Mayor.
