Epiphany celebrations shine in Batemans Bay as crowds flock to the NSW South Coast

·

All roads led to Batemans Bay on Sunday, January 5 as around 300 people gathered to witness the annual Blessing of the Waters, a central event of the Epiphany celebrations.

Locals from Batemans Bay were joined by visitors from Canberra, Queanbeyan, Goulburn and Sydney to mark this significant occasion in the Greek Orthodox calendar.

bateman's bay epiphany
batemans bay epiphany

In the morning, a Divine Liturgy was held at St John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Batemans Bay. The service was co-led by Father Iakovos Syriotis from the St Demetrios parish in Queanbeyan and Father Kyriacos Theologou from the St Panteleimon parish in Goulburn.

Among those present were Sid Pascalidis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Batemans Bay, and major benefactors John and Angelo Liangis, who were acknowledged for their ongoing contributions to the local community.

The highlight of the day took place at Clyde Wharf, where families gathered to witness the traditional dive for the Holy Cross.

Nickolaos Mihailou, originally from Canberra and on holiday in Batemans Bay with his family, successfully retrieved the cross. As a proud Kalymnian, this marked his participation in three Blessings of the Waters ceremonies, a meaningful act of faith and tradition.

batemans bay epiphany

Following the ceremony, the Greek Orthodox Community of Batemans Bay hosted a BBQ seafood lunch at the church hall, providing a warm and festive gathering for attendees.

With perfect summer weather reaching 37 degrees, the beaches were bustling as locals and visitors alike enjoyed the holiday spirit well into the afternoon.

*All photos supplied by Nick Tsoulias.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Genocide mentioned in Victorian Parliament

The movement for the recognition of the Genocide of the Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks has gained momentum in Victorian Parliament this week.

Evzones to lead ANZAC tributes and cultural celebrations in Adelaide and Sydney

The Evzones will visit Australia from 23 April to 4 May 2025, participating in Anzac Day and a series of cultural events.

Consent education safe as Chanel Contos responds to Dutton’s ‘indoctrination’ pledge

Peter Dutton has pledged a Coalition government would review the national school curriculum to eliminate “indoctrination.”

Alexia Apostolakis joins Matildas as train-on player

Melbourne City defender, Alexia Apostolakis, has been called into the Matildas squad as a train-on player ahead of the upcoming friendlies.

Rugby chief Peter V’landys addresses speculation about his future

Peter V’landys, chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission and CEO of Racing NSW, has addressed speculation about his future.

You May Also Like

BREAKING: Maria Sakkari among 47 Australian Open players forced to quarantine in Melbourne

Maria Sakkari is one of 47 players participating in the Australian Open that will be forced to quarantine for 14 days.

Kogarah Greek Orthodox parish raise funds for food initiative that helps those in need

The Kogarah Church Philoptohos Society hosted its inaugural St Elesa Food Initiative Annual Fundraiser on Saturday, July 23.

Olympia Valance opens up on ‘miracle baby’ after multiple miscarriages and IVF rounds

Olympia Valance and her husband, Thomas Bellchambers, have announced they are expecting their first child.