Despite rainy conditions, hundreds gathered at Rosebud Pier in Victoria on Monday, January 6, for the annual Blessing of the Waters ceremony, led by Papa Lefteris.
Papa Lefteris has continued to perform the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony every year, despite being defrocked by the Ecumenical Patriarchate due to “a series of ecclesiastical and canonical offenses he committed.”
This year’s Blessing of the Waters ceremony commenced at noon, with Papa Lefteris leading prayers and blessings, before the traditional dive to retrieve the Holy Cross. This year, Panagiotis Vasilopoulos from Brunswick successfully retrieved the cross.
Following the ceremony, festivities commenced including music by DJ Chris and a spirited performance by the Manasis School of Greek Dance and Culture, which showcased traditional Greek dances.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Bill Roumeliotis
