Winner of SA’s eventful Blessing of the Waters to be presented with his award next week

·

It was an eventful afternoon for faithful and attendees of the Annual Blessing of the Waters held in Glenelg, South Australia on Sunday.

“I understand that there was a competition for the cross today but in two forms. A lawful one and an unlawful one,” Bishop Silouan of Sinope told the crowd after it was made clear that the man who reached the cross first had not registered and was already in the water and not at the shore with the other swimmers.

The man, who later identified himself as ‘Victor’ refused to hand the cross to the priests and was later escorted off site by a police officer for questioning.

During the negotiations, church representatives and the priests were urging the police for the matter to be resolved peacefully. 

The cross was returned to the church later during the day.

According to an announcement published on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (Archdiocesan District of Adelaide) social media pages on Sunday evening, Andreas Pavlou, the official winner of the Epiphany ceremony, will be presented with his award on Sunday, 17 January.

Speaking to The Greek Herald, Mr Pavlou said he feels blessed to be the winner.

“I was very pleased and excited when I was announced the winner. It was my fifth time going for the cross and I gave it my all and tried my hardest to get the cross. I feel very blessed”.

Although it was a first for Adelaide, a similar event unfolded last year in Port Melbourne’s ceremony when an interloper reached the cross before the 25 registered swimmers. 

*All photos Copyright ©️The Greek Herald

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Earlwood’s Greek spirit centre stage as ‘Plateia’ Festival secures state funding

The City of Canterbury Bankstown will host the “Love Earlwood” festival thanks to the NSW Government’s Open Streets 2025-28 Program.

Greek Consul General honoured at Hellenic Club farewell event in Sydney

Sydney’s Greek community came together on Thursday for a dignified farewell dinner in honour of Greece’s Consul General, Ioannis Mallikourtis

Field of candidates announced for 2025 Greek Community of Melbourne Board election

Greek Community of Melbourne has officially called elections for a new Board of Directors, with members set to head to the polls on June 29.

Australia Cup 2025: Strong Greek heritage club presence as Final 32 locked in

The cast for the Hahn Australia Cup 2025 Round of 32 has been decided following the completion of the Preliminary Rounds.

Apostolakis and Trimis named on Young Matildas squad for upcoming training camp

CommBank Young Matildas Head Coach Alex Epakis has settled on a 32-player squad for a domestic training camp to be held in Sydney.

You May Also Like

Coronial inquest into deaths at St Basil’s Fawkner in limbo after four years

An inquest into the deaths of 45 residents at St Basil's Fawkner has been delayed after the facility's managers refused to provide evidence.

Cypriot Australian Andrew Lambrou to represent Cyprus at Eurovision 2023

Cypriot Australian, Andrew Lambrou, will be representing Cyprus at Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool, the United Kingdom.

The Greek moment that stole the show at King Charles III’s coronation

When King Charles was presented with the Jewelled Sword of Offering, the Byzantine Chant Ensemble sang a Greek Orthodox chant.