The Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra and Districts hosted the annual Epiphany service in the nation’s capital on Sunday, January 11, with celebrations held at Casuarina Sands.
The service was attended by a large gathering of faithful and was led by His Grace Bishop Athinagoras of Canberra, alongside Father Petros of St Nicholas Church in Canberra and Father Alexandros of St Demetrios Church in Queanbeyan.
Following the Blessing of the Waters ceremony, attendees remained on site to share food and spend time with family and friends, creating a strong sense of community and fellowship.
A highlight of the day was the traditional dive for the Holy Cross, which was retrieved by Panos Morogiannis. Two other young men also took part in the dive, continuing a long-standing Orthodox tradition.
Reflecting on the moment, Morogiannis described the day as deeply meaningful, saying the opportunity to dive for the cross strengthened his devotion and connection to his faith.
“As His Grace Bishop Athinagoras wisely announced to the young men who dove, ‘today you do not dive simply to win the cross, but to strengthen your relationship with Christ and our faith through this courageous act.’ This is what the act of getting the cross means to me,” Morogiannis said.
Morogiannis added that retrieving the cross symbolised a lifelong journey of faith, courage and devotion within Canberra’s strong Orthodox community.
