The Feast of the Epiphany was celebrated across Greece today with traditional ceremonies, including the Blessing of the Waters and the diving for the Holy Cross in major ports.
In Piraeus, the country’s largest port, the celebration was led by Ieronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece.
A festive Divine Liturgy took place at the Holy Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, officiated by Metropolitan Seraphim of Piraeus, followed by the Blessing of the Waters at the pier opposite the Church of Saint Spyridon.
The Holy Cross was retrieved from the sea by Panagiotis Goras, who said, “I wish for the whole world to be united in love.”
The President of the Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, attended and highlighted the significance of the day, stating: “We celebrate the ‘all-bright’ Epiphany here in our country’s largest port to partake in the light and truth we so dearly need. This light can guide us forward with confidence, transforming into personal and collective strength.”
In Thessaloniki, the ceremony at Pier A saw 56 swimmers brave the cold waters of the Thermaic Gulf to retrieve the Cross.
Among them, 23-year-old Stergios Pagonidis emerged with the Cross to the cheers of thousands of faithful gathered along the waterfront.
Epiphany, also known as “Theophany,” is one of the most important Christian feasts, commemorating the revelation of Jesus Christ as God.
