Epiphany Day 2024: How did Greeks in Tasmania, Queensland and NSW celebrate

·

By Evelyn Karatzas and Andriana Simos.

Greek communities in Tasmania, Queensland, Wollongong, Batemans Bay and Jervis Bay, all enjoyed Epiphany Day celebrations over the January 6 – 7 weekend this year.

Batemans Bay

In Batemans Bay, a church service took place at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint John the Baptist, combining the celebration of Epiphany Day and St John’s feast day.

Around 300 people later attended the Blessing of the Water ceremony, which was followed by a BBQ at the St John the Baptist church hall.

In attendance was Father Iakovos, Father Platon, Father Kyriacou, as well as Sid Pascalidis, President of Greek Orthodox Community of Batemans Bay, and the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, George Papacostas.

Epiphany Day at Batemans Bay
Father Iakovos.

Jervis Bay

In Jervis Bay, an Epiphany Feast Day took place at the Church of Saint John. Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis visited the NSW South Coast for the celebrations.

Bishop Bartholomew presided over a Matins and Divine Liturgy, and conducted the Blessing of the Waters at the church over the weekend.

Jervis Bay Epiphany Day
The divers who participated in the dive for the Holy Cross in Jervis Bay. Photo: Supplied.

This year’s winner of the Holy Cross was Nicolas Bris from the Parish-Community of Saint Ioannis in Parramatta, Sydney. He received blessings from Bishop Bartholomew, a cross to take home and an icon of Christ.

All divers also received Epiphany t-shirts with a logo commemorating the 100 years of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA).

Wollongong

In Wollongong, NSW, 24-year-old Ross Tzotzis retrieved the Holy Cross after a traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony was held at Wollongong beach on Sunday, January 7.

wollongong epiphany
Some of the divers from the Wollongong Blessing of the Waters ceremony. Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

In a statement to The Greek Herald, Ross said this was the second time he had retrieved the cross.

“It feels good,” he said. “I was a bit nervous on the jetty there, but I just got into the zone.”

He said he continues to partake in the religious occasion because “it is an important tradition and good luck for the year ahead.”

“It’s all part of the Greek heritage,” Ross added with a smile, before posing for a photograph with his family, including his proud grandparents.

wollongong epiphany
Ross (centre) with his family. Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

Tasmania

The annual Blessing of the Waters in Tasmania was held at Nutgrove Beach, Sandy Bay, Hobart, on Sunday, January 7.

theofania tasmania
theofania tasmania

Approximately 250 members of the Greek Community of Hobart and Launceston attended the celebration and this year’s successful participant in securing the Holy Cross was Yanni Anagnostis.

After the event, a BBQ lunch was prepared by the Executive Committee of the Greek Community of Tasmania, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

theofania tasmania

Queensland

In Queensland, the Epiphany Day celebrations took place in both West Queensland at Saint Anna Greek Orthodox Church, and Far North Queensland in Innisfail.

In the city of Bundall, the Divine Liturgy at Saint Anna was presided by Bishop Emilianos of Meloa and Father Romanos Stergiou.

Following this, a lunch and Epiphany Festival took place at Evandale Park in Surfers Paradise where members of the Greek community came together to celebrate.

QLD Epiphany Day
Photos: Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW Facebook page.

The Epiphany Day celebrations in Innisfail involved a full church service in the morning at The Dormition of our Lady, followed by the throwing of the Holy Cross.

Greek community member, Jacob won the cross for 2024.

Jacob and Father Stergiou
The winner of the Holy Cross, Jacob with Father Romanos Stergiou. Photo: The Greek Orthodox Community of Innisfail & North Queensland Facebook page.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

AHEPA NSW celebrates Greek heroism with unveiling of ‘Maniatisses’ painting

The unveiling of a new painting by artist Angela Kiki, titled ‘The Maniatisses’, marked a moving tribute by AHEPA NSW.

From Chadstone to the Galaxy Stage: How Chleo Eve uses pageants to champion change

Pageants have evolved into platforms where determined young women can make a name for themselves and stand up for causes they believe in.

Navigating menopause with confidence: A conversation with Greek women experts

The Food for Thought Network Inc. is inviting people to a significant online event focused on menopause awareness and empowerment.

Niki Louca shares recipe for the easiest five-minute Artisan Bread

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for the easiest five-minute Artisan Bread with The Greek Herald.

Dr Michael Festas to give seminar on the Peloponnese and the Greek Revolution

The Greek administration undertook the collection of statistical data concerning the population and settlements of the Peloponnese.

You May Also Like

Facilities of All Saints Greek Parish in Belmore set to become vaccination hub, Minister confirms

Tony Burke MP confirmed there are plans to turn the hall of All Saints Greek Orthodox Parish in Belmore into a pop-up vaccination hub.

George Kambosos Jr eyes Lopez rematch after successful move to 140lbs

George Kambosos Jr believes a rematch with Teofimo Lopez could be on the cards following his successful move to the 140lbs weight class.

Turkish Defence Minister says talks with Greece are ‘quite positive’

Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler has described the recent talks between Greece and Turkey as “quite positive.”