45th Glenelg Greek Festival: A celebration of Epiphany, culture and heritage

·

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia hosted its annual festivities in South Australia, marking the 45th anniversary of the Epiphany celebrations on the picturesque foreshore of Glenelg. 

Spanning three vibrant and sun filled days, from Friday, January 10 to Sunday, January 12, the festival brought together faith, culture, and community spirit.

The core of the festival was the Blessing of the Waters ceremony, led by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide. 

45th Glenelg Greek Festival
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.
45th Glenelg Greek Festival
Swimmers lining up, ready to compete for the cross.

The procession of Orthodox clergy and faithful onto the Glenelg Jetty to bless the waters remains a cherished tradition for South Australian Orthodox Christians. This ritual, central to the Feast of Epiphany, commemorates the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan and the divine revelation of the Holy Trinity.

The contest for the Holy Cross

This year, approximately 60 competitors competed for the honour of retrieving the blessed cross. 

Emerging triumphant was 21-year-old Vasilie Kypreos, a first-time winner from New South Wales, who claimed victory in a tight contest, outpacing his South Australian counterparts to secure the win. 

With strong familial ties to both NSW and SA, Vasilie is connected to Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Kingsford, NSW, and St George Church in Mile End, SA.

“Winning the cross was a great feeling,” Vasilie shared with The Greek Herald, adding he hopes the blessing of the cross will bring “good health and happiness for [his] family in 2025.”

As a Sydney-based lifeguard, wharfie and surfer, Vasilie added, “I also pray God will look after me while surfing and lifesaving.”

Vasilie Kypreos and Family
Vasilie Kypreos and family.

The Hon. Tom Koutsantonis MP, representing the Premier of South Australia, reflected on the significance of the event.

“Today we have witnessed the Church pray for our state and bless our waters through this ceremony. We pray for prosperity, for safety, for those who travel, and they pray for all of us. The sea has given us much – it has brought many Greek migrants here to these shores, but it has also brought the [Orthodox] Church to this shore,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

Glendi celebrations 

The celebrations extended beyond the religious ceremony, with the Glenelg foreshore coming alive with cultural performances and live music. 

The Pontian Brotherhood of SA, Messinian Greek Dance School of SA, and St George College Dance Group captivated audiences with traditional Greek dances, and the St Spyridon College Adelaide with their chanting choir. The Kosmos Band provided live music throughout the day, creating an atmosphere for dancing and festivity.

Pontian Brotherhood of SA Dance Group
Pontian Brotherhood of SA Dance Group.

The Hon. Stephen Patterson MP, Local Member for Morphett, also expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the Greek Community and Bishop Silouan who come every year and bless the waters to “bring health… and prosperity here [to South Australia].”

Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou, Consul General of Greece in South Australia, attended her first Epiphany celebration in the state. She described the event as “more than a blessing” and expressed her personal joy, as her son swam in the waters. 

“This is more joyful than [even in] Greece because, of course, being in the summer, there are more swimmers to catch the cross and blessing!” the Consul General added.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, President of the Inter-communities Council of South Australia Dr Vladimir Devrelis expressed his gratitude to the crowd and dignitaries for participating in this special occasion. He emphasised its spiritual importance and highlighted the festival’s remarkable growth over the years, remarking on how it has become a cornerstone of community celebration.

The Glenelg Greek Festival stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring spirit and cultural legacy of the Greek Orthodox Christians of South Australia. Through dance, music, food, and faith, the festival celebrates the traditions and heritage cherished and passed down through generations. 

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Hellenic Horizons: Greek Festival of Sydney and The Greek Herald to hold IWD event

The Greek Festival of Sydney and The Greek Herald are holding their annual International Women’s Day event on Sunday, March 16.

Australian Femicide Watch holds vigil in Victoria to honour women killed in 2025

I often hear the phrase “how many more women?” A more important question is, “how many more men will murder women before Australia wakes up?”

Sydney Olympic FC’s 2025 season launch: Passion, history and high hopes

On Monday, February 10, the presentation of the men's and women's teams of Sydney Olympic achieved great success.

Leonidas Vlahakis’ Antipodes: Confessions of a festival fan

Melbourne's most loved Antipodes Festival is just around the corner, and anticipation is building for a celebration of all things Greek.

Mia Tzannes explores identity and twinship in ARTEXPRESS 2025 exhibition

ARTEXPRESS 2025 is a vibrant exhibition celebrating the outstanding artworks of Year 12 visual arts students from across NSW.

You May Also Like

5 museums you need to visit in Athens

With over 70 museums right across Athens, we have narrowed down our top five must-sees if you're visiting the Grecian capital this year! 

Greek court sentences ‘illegal’ Syrian refugee to 52 years in prison

A Syrian refugee has been sentenced to 52 years in prison for crossing into Greece from Turkey last year.

UK Prime Minister called on to return the Parthenon Marbles ‘in final days’

UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has been told that he should "in his final days" return the Parthenon Marbles to Athens.