Blessing of the Waters ceremony marks Epiphany in Darwin

·

The Greek Orthodox community of Darwin in the Northern Territory gathered at the city’s Waterfront on Sunday, January 5, to mark the annual Blessing of the Waters ceremony as part of Epiphany celebrations.

Presided over by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, the ceremony honoured the baptism of Christ and the sanctification of the waters, a significant tradition in the Orthodox Christian faith.

A highlight of the day was the traditional dive to retrieve the Holy Cross. This year, Chris Townsend, a member of the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW, successfully retrieved the cross, earning congratulations and applause from the gathered crowd.

The ceremony was organised by the Greek Orthodox Community of Northern Australia, and was attended by a number of officials including NT Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations, Robyn Cahill; NT Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby; Federal Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling MP; and the Country Liberal Party candidate for Solomon, Lisa Bayliss.

Large delegations from Cretan organisations across Australia and New Zealand were also in attendance as they were in Darwin for their annual convention. Organisations included the World Council of Cretans, the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, the Cretan Association of Northern Territory, the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW, the Pancretan Association of Melbourne, and the Cretan Association of Tasmania.

As the weekend drew to a close, attendees departed with a sense of unity and pride in their shared heritage, strengthened by the spiritual and cultural significance of the cherished annual event.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Cretan Federation of Australia and NZ celebrate 40th anniversary with book launch

The Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand celebrated their 40th anniversary, with a successful book launch on Monday night.

Over 100 Greek Australians release statement against Golden Dawn ahead of trial verdict

A statement condemning the acts of neo-Nazi party, Golden Dawn, has been signed by Greek Australians from across the country.

Conor Curran, Greek-Australian chef, eliminated from MasterChef Australia

Conor Curran, a Greek-Australian chef and MasterChef Australia 2021 contestant, has been eliminated from the 13th season of the show.