Rain fails to dampen Epiphany spirits in Port Melbourne

·

Sandals were ruined, dresses drenched, and wayward umbrellas twisted in the wind as the heavens opened for Epiphany Day celebrations at Port Melbourne, Victoria on Sunday, January 12. 

People ducked for cover under marquees as a deluge poured down, soaking those brave enough to hop over puddles for loukoumades or the sizzling gyros from the charcoal-fuelled rotisseries.

The sea swelled and the Nea Artaky fishing boat used by Their Graces Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopoulis and Bishop Evmenios of Chora to toss the cross each year was nowhere to be found.

All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.

Following a long delay, the religious entourage finally took advantage of a brief respite from the rain to head out for the cross throwing. Doves were released by VIP guests, and Bishop Evmenios tossed the cross into the sea from a stage set up by the sea. He threw it once for good measure, and then a second time to ensure it landed further out as 35 divers rushed towards it.

Panayiotis (Peter) Tasias from Clayton, aged 38, a regular at the event, caught the cross for the second time in his life. He first claimed victory when aged 16. 

“Just to jump in is a blessing, and I dive every year,” he told The Greek Herald last year. This year, he was the lucky one, clutching the cross while trying to catch his breath.

Scarlett Athanasia Bauwens demonstrated that the Blessing of the Waters ceremony is evolving with the times. Women were not allowed to dive at Port Melbourne two years ago. Last year, organisers had their own epiphany and aligned Port Melbourne with the rest of the world by permitting female participation. Although permitted, none participated. 

“I did this first for God, and then for women,” Scarlett told The Greek Herald, thrilled to be participating as diver number 32 out of 35 (up from last year’s 27 despite the thunderstorm).

Surrounded by men, Scarlett only realised the dive had begun when five jumped in.

Mauritius-born and Bali-educated Scarlett embraced Orthodoxy as a convert in Sparta two years ago, when she was baptised Athanasia. She currently lives in Greece, where she works for a global consulting company and says she will dive again next year, in the chilly Greek waters next time. She attended celebrations with a friend. 

“I told my husband and mother-in-law to stay at home due to the heavy rainfall,” she said.

A strong swimmer, she said the rain was no deterrent. 

“Bring it on! The bigger the storm, the happier I am. God is with us today,” she added.

Her presence was welcomed by all present, and Scarlett said she faced no difficulty signing up, permitted to dive but instructed to “dress modestly.”

It is uncertain whether the young men with their bulging biceps, and some with interesting tattoos, were also told to cover up in modesty.

Steven Stamatakos, 20, who had dived a couple of years ago, said he had not swum in a while and wanted to participate for the blessing rather than any hopes of winning. 

For Panagiotis Vasilopoulos, who was there with his sausage dog, Pluto, victory was very much the goal. Earlier in the week, he caught the Holy Cross at Rosebud’s Epiphany.

“I’m a very strong swimmer,” he said.

Under the marquee, 16-year-old Aristidis was watching carefully, determined to take part in the dive in his VCE year next year.

The Epiphany is a significant Christian feast celebrating the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. This event marks the revelation of the Holy Trinity – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Blessing of the Waters ceremony, where a cross is thrown into the water and retrieved by divers, symbolises the purification of the waters and the renewal of life.

Those not swimming also seek God’s blessing. Ms. Kalliopi from Northcote sat under a balcony after it began to pour. 

“Will it stop?” she asked. “I had injured my leg and I came, despite the pain, in the hope that God’s grace would help me improve.”

She did not care that there were no dancing groups, petting farms, and fanfare as in other years. It’s the service she cares for.

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Debt cleared as Hellenic Village engages new $119.5 million buyer for Austral site

The sale of Hellenic Village’s 105-acre property at Gurner Avenue in Austral has taken a turn following the withdrawal of the initial buyer.

International stars, local talent and cultural delights await at Greek Festival Darling Harbour

The highly anticipated Greek Festival Darling Harbour is set to take over Darling Harbour this February 22-23.

‘Good Samaritan’ Nick Karagiannis sentenced for fraudulent car dealings

Nick Karagiannis has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment to be served in the community after pleading guilty to fraudulent car dealings.

Brotherhood of Chalkidiki in NSW hosts successful Annual General Meeting

The Brotherhood of Chalkidiki 'Aristotelis' of NSW celebrated a milestone event on Sunday, February 9, hosting its Annual General Meeting.

Arcadians in Victoria lead commemoration for Greek Revolution hero Kolokotronis

On Sunday, February 9, Arcadians in Melbourne were joined by members of the Greek community to honour the memory of Theodoros Kolokotronis.

You May Also Like

Greek Prime Minister vows to defend Greece’s sovereignty amid Turkish revisionism

Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has vowed to defend Greece’s sovereignty in the face of Turkey’s mounting revisionism.

Maria Vamvakinou MP nominated for Crikey Person of the Year

Maria Vamvakinou MP has been nominated for Crikey Person of the Year in recognition of her courage regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict.

GCM Seminar: Communal notables (kodjabashis) and their role the Late Ottoman Empire

Τheir political role and the conditions for the reproduction of their political and social position will be examined.