The 2026 Epiphany Festival for the Canberra District was marked by a historic celebration on Saturday, January 10, with Greek Orthodox faithful gathering in large numbers at Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast.
Hundreds of worshippers travelled from Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and across the South Coast to attend the annual Epiphany service, which saw local teenagers dive into the waters to retrieve the Holy Cross – a centrepiece of the Feast of Epiphany, also known as Theofania.
The day began with a Divine Liturgy at St John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, led by His Grace Bishop Athinagoras of Canberra. He was assisted by Father Savas Pizanias from St Savas of Kalymnos Parish in Sydney and Father Platon Derlis from the Parish of St George in Shepparton, Victoria.
Following the liturgy, the faithful made their way to Clyde Wharf, where families gathered along the foreshore for the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony, commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordan.
The highlight of the day was the dive for the Holy Cross, which was retrieved by 15-year-old Julian Pilavakis from Canberra, who was holidaying in Batemans Bay with his family. He was joined in the waters by fellow Canberra youths Sideri Pashalidis, 13, Vassili Londos, 14, and Andrew Haridemos, 14.
Among those present were Stef Pashalidis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Batemans Bay, as well as major benefactors John and Angelo Liangis, who were acknowledged for their ongoing contributions to the local community.
Following the ceremony, the Greek Orthodox Community of Batemans Bay hosted a barbecue lunch at the church hall, providing a warm and festive atmosphere for attendees. Bishop Athinagoras also cut the traditional Vasilopita for 2026.
With temperatures reaching 41 degrees, Batemans Bay’s beaches were bustling throughout the afternoon as locals and visitors alike embraced the summer conditions, bringing the Epiphany celebrations to a joyful close.
The event was widely described by participants as a blessed and memorable day for the community.
