The Feast of Epiphany was celebrated with reverence and solemnity for a second consecutive year in Wallaroo, firmly establishing the Blessing of the Waters as a meaningful local tradition linking Orthodox worship with regional communities in South Australia.
The celebrations commenced with the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St Nicholas, officiated by Protopresbyter Fr Stavros Psarommatis, with the participation of Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Fr Diogenis Patsouris.
A large congregation attended, including faithful who travelled from Adelaide, as well as local residents who warmly embraced the feast.
Following the service, worshippers gathered at the Wallaroo jetty for the Blessing of the Waters, during which the Holy Cross was cast into the sea.
The message of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia was read, highlighting the theological significance of Theophany, the revelation of the Holy Trinity and the sanctification of all creation, while encouraging the faithful to live out their baptism as a daily life in Christ. The blessings of His Grace Bishop of Silouan of Adelaide were also conveyed.
The Holy Cross was retrieved by young Dimitrios Stylianou, a descendant of the late Fr Charalambos and Presvytera Myrianthi Stratos, pioneers of Greek Orthodox life in regional South Australia – a moment that brought joy and deep emotion to those present.
The celebrations concluded with hospitality and a shared meal prepared by parish members and friends, offering an opportunity for fellowship and reinforcing the sense of unity, faith and continuity within the local community.
