Each January, Greek Orthodox communities across Australia gather to celebrate Holy Theophany (Epiphany), commemorating the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan.
The feast is traditionally marked by Divine Liturgy, followed by the Blessing of the Waters ceremony, during which the Holy Cross is cast into the sea, river or lake and retrieved by divers – a powerful symbol of renewal, faith and blessing for the year ahead.
With celebrations taking place across multiple states and territories, The Greek Herald brings you a guide to Epiphany events scheduled for January 2026.
New South Wales
Sydney’s major Epiphany celebrations will once again centre on Carss Bush Park, with the return of the Epiphany Greek Festival 2026 on Sunday, 11 January, running from 11am to 9pm.
The free-entry, family-friendly festival is set to feature live entertainment throughout the day, including an exclusive performance by Greek singer Giannis Chatzopoulos.
The Blessing of the Waters ceremony will form the spiritual centrepiece of the day, with the festival supported by the NSW Government, Georges River Council and Bank of Sydney.
Elsewhere in NSW, Holy Theophany will also be observed at local parishes, including Batemans Bay, where the Church of St John the Baptist will host liturgical services on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 January 2026, culminating in the Blessing of the Waters at Batemans Bay Harbour on Saturday afternoon.
Victoria
In Victoria, the Blessing of the Waters will be celebrated on Sunday, January 11 at Princes Pier in Port Melbourne from 1pm. The throwing of the Holy Cross will be held as part of the Blessing of the Waters Festival.
From 2pm, there will be plenty of entertainment for families and kids of all ages, as well as Greek food and market stalls.
Australian Capital Territory
In Canberra, Holy Theophany will be observed by the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas.
A Divine Liturgy will take place on Sunday 11 January 2026, followed by the Blessing of the Waters and throwing of the Holy Cross at Cotter River (Casuarina Sands) from 11.30am. A traditional paniyiri will follow in the Church Hall, with all welcome.
South Australia
The Greek Orthodox Community of SA presents the ‘Go-Greek Festival’ on Sunday 11 January at Henley Beach incorporating the 2026 Annual Blessing of the Waters. Free entry all day — great family fun, popular Greek band Zorba and associates will entertain the public and Greek dancing will be performed until late in the afternoon. Local multicultural dance groups will be performing on the day.
South Australians are also invited to attend the Glenelg Greek Festival 2026, running from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 January.
The festival incorporates the Blessing of the Waters ceremony at Glenelg, organised by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia – Holy Diocese of Adelaide, combining religious observance with food, music and community celebrations along the foreshore.
Western Australia
In Perth, an Epiphany celebration will take place on Sunday 11 January 2026 at Matilda Bay Reserve, hosted by the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Perth.
The day will include food, refreshments, Greek music and shaded seating, with the Blessing of the Waters commencing at 12.30pm, presided over by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth. Eligible participants will again be invited to dive for the Holy Cross.
Queensland
On the Gold Coast, the Church of Saint Anna will mark Holy Theophany on Sunday, January 11 with a Divine Liturgy and the Blessing of the Waters at Evandale Lake, followed by community celebrations at the parish centre.
Northern Territory
In the Northern Territory, the Church of Saint Savvas of Kalymnos will observe Holy Theophany with a program of house blessings across Darwin suburbs, culminating in the Blessing of the Waters ceremony at Cullen Bay on Sunday, January 11.
A shared tradition
While dates and locations may vary, the meaning of Epiphany remains constant – a moment of spiritual renewal, communal gathering and faith lived publicly.
The Greek Herald encourages readers to check with their local parishes for final service times and to participate in this deeply rooted Orthodox tradition as communities across Australia come together to begin the year with blessing and hope.
