Greek Orthodox communities across Australia marked Holy Theophany (Epiphany) 2026 with deep reverence, strong youth participation and large public turnouts, as the annual Blessing of the Waters ceremonies transformed coastlines, rivers and harbours into places of faith, tradition and communal celebration.
From metropolitan centres to regional towns, thousands gathered to witness the immersion of the Holy Cross and the courageous dives that symbolise renewal, spiritual light and the sanctification of the waters.
New South Wales
In Sydney, Epiphany celebrations were significantly impacted by weather, with the Blessing of the Waters and Epiphany Greek Festival at Carss Bush Park cancelled due to hazardous wind conditions exceeding 55 km/h. Organisers cited public safety as the priority and thanked the community for its understanding.
Further south, however, Epiphany was marked with a historic celebration for the Canberra District at Batemans Bay on Saturday, January 10. Hundreds of faithful travelled from Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and across the South Coast to attend the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St John the Baptist, led by His Grace Bishop Athinagoras of Canberra.
The Blessing of the Waters followed at Clyde Wharf, where local teenagers dove into the water to retrieve the Holy Cross. The cross was retrieved by 15-year-old Julian Pilavakis of Canberra, highlighting the strong role of the younger generation in sustaining Orthodox tradition. The day concluded with a community barbecue and the cutting of the Vasilopita.
In Wollongong, the Holy Cross was retrieved by 17-year-old Saxon Gerovasilis from Bulli, who described the experience as uplifting and deeply connected to community life.
Victoria
Across Victoria, Epiphany was marked with large gatherings at Rye Foreshore, Frankston Pier, Princes Pier in Port Melbourne, and Rosebud.
At Rye, the ceremony was officiated by His Eminence Metropolitan Ezekiel of Dervis, with Kyriakos Hatzinikolas emerging from the water holding the cross. Later at Frankston Pier, 18-year-old Kostas Kopsaftis retrieved the cross under the blessing of His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne.
At Princes Pier, hundreds gathered under mild summer skies as 28-year-old Stelios Kikyris retrieved the Holy Cross, describing the moment as a blessing tied to new beginnings in his personal and professional life.
In Rosebud, the ceremony was again led by defrocked Papa Lefteris, with Iordanis Anastasakis retrieving the cross, followed by music and cultural performances that blended faith with Australia’s coastal summer atmosphere.
Australian Capital Territory
In Canberra, the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra and Districts held the Epiphany service at Casuarina Sands. Following the Blessing of the Waters led by Bishop Athinagoras, the Holy Cross was retrieved by Panos Morogiannis, who reflected on the moment as a strengthening of faith rather than a competition.
South Australia
Thousands gathered at Henley Beach and Glenelg for South Australia’s Epiphany celebrations, making them among the largest in the country.
At Henley Beach on January 11, the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia held the annual Blessing of the Waters, with Thomas Matsouliadis retrieving the Holy Cross after its immersion at the jetty. The ceremony was followed by a lively foreshore celebration featuring food, music and traditional dance.
At Glenelg, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia marked the 46th year of Epiphany celebrations with a three-day festival from January 9 to 11. The Blessing of the Waters ceremony, led by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, saw 25-year-old Jozef Kogoj retrieve the Holy Cross in a field of around 50 participants.
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas and other civic leaders attended the Glenelg celebrations, where bipartisan commitments were announced to secure increased long-term funding for the event. The Premier also attended the festival at Henley Beach.
Western Australia
In Perth, Epiphany was celebrated at Matilda Bay along the Swan River, drawing an estimated 800 to 1,000 people. The ceremony was presided over by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth, with the participation of His Grace Bishop Prodromos of Toliara and Southern Madagascar.
Around 30 young men dove into the river, with Haris Stefanatos retrieving the Holy Cross. The event was marked by strong family participation, food, fellowship and messages emphasising faith, courage and unity within the Church.
Queensland
On the Gold Coast, Theophania 2026 was celebrated by the Greek Orthodox Church of St Anna, with more than 70 divers taking part.
The Holy Cross was retrieved by Elpida Johansson in the juniors’ category and Marcus Polites in the adult group. Polites’ retrieval carried special significance for a family long associated with Greek Orthodox community life in Adelaide, symbolising continuity of faith across generations and states.
Northern Territory
In Darwin, the Greek Orthodox Community of Northern Australia held the Blessing of the Waters at the Waterfront following the Divine Liturgy, presided over by Father Joel. The Holy Cross was retrieved by Terry Poniris, as parishioners and representatives from across the NT’s multicultural community gathered for the annual observance.
Meanwhile in Palmerston, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, through St Savvas of Kalymnos Greek Orthodox Church, held its Epiphany celebrations at Cullen Bay following the Divine Liturgy. Manoli Loukataris retrieved the Holy Cross. Clergy, parishioners and invited guests attended the ceremony, which concluded with thanks to volunteers and community leaders for their continued support.
Tasmania
In Hobart, more than 500 faithful gathered at Sandown Park, Sandy Bay, where the two city parishes celebrated Theophany together. The Holy Cross was retrieved by Paul (Apostolis) Holland, as the ceremony concluded with communal celebrations and a traditional barbecue.
Across Australia, Epiphany 2026 once again demonstrated the enduring strength of Greek Orthodox faith, the central role of youth, and the power of community gathering – renewing tradition in waters both familiar and new.
