GOCSA to celebrate Epiphany with annual Henley Beach Greek Festival

·

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) is organising its annual Blessing of the Waters event on Sunday, 12 January 2025, to celebrate Epiphany Day.

The event, which has become a cherished tradition, will take place at the Henley Beach foreshore in Adelaide and is expected to attract hundreds of visitors. 

In the Orthodox Church, the Feast of Epiphany marks the baptism of Christ in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. It is the third and last holiday of the twelve days of Christmas and officially brings the holiday season to a close, sending a message of spiritual rejuvenation and inner cleansing. 

All photos by Zara Dimitria Photography.

On the day, the clergy accompanied by parishioners and other guests, will begin the procession from the start of the jetty at 12pm. Together, they will walk to the end of the jetty, where the symbolic Blessing of the Waters will take place, and the faithful will dive into the waters to retrieve the cross. 

Following the ceremony, visitors will be treated to a traditional Greek Festival featuring traditional dance performances from GOCSA Dance Academy, the Pontian Brotherhood of SA, as well as a special showcase of Ukrainian culture by the dancers of Adelaide’s SLAVA Ukrainian Cultural Centre.

The event will continue with live music by local band ‘Kerasma Live’ and delicious food and desserts, such as loukoumades (Greek honey puffs). 

In his message to GOCSA, the Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas, stated: “Today, we celebrate the strength and unity of the spiritual ties that bind the Greek diaspora here and around the world. Your festival, staged on the foreshore, exemplifies the renowned hospitality of the Greek community, a testament to your warm tradition of ‘filoxenia’.”

“I commend the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia for your dedication to preserving this time-honoured tradition, which not only enriches the Greek community but also contributes significantly to the vibrant multicultural tapestry of our great state,” Premier Malinauskas added.

GOCSA Cultural Committee Chair, Hellas Lucas, said: “Henley Beach Greek Festival incorporating the Blessing of the Waters, or as we know it ‘Theofania’, is an annual event that all South Australians can look forward to.”

“It’s not only a wonderful opportunity for our Greek community to showcase its culture and traditions, but it’s also a chance for all South Australians to celebrate the state’s cultural diversity and promote cultural understanding,” Ms Lucas added.

*All photos by Zara Dimitria Photography.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek Australian developers cement dominance in Adelaide’s CBD office market

Developers Theo Samaras’ Kyren Group, the Andrianakos Property Group and the Kambitsis Group are among the biggest owners shaping the CBD.

Iris Pavlidis’ rage on canvas: Awakening society to women’s suffering

The third time Iris Pavlidis was raped, she froze. This time it was by a friend of years after she dozed off while they watched a movie.

An evening of compassion: Jenny Souris Foundation Gala returns this October

The Jenny Souris Foundation is preparing to host its annual Gala on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, at Le Montage in Lilyfield, Sydney.

Remembering Angela Patisteas: A life of devotion, resilience and quiet strength

Angela Patisteas, who passed away in 2025, was a model of the Greek mother and wife within the global Greek diaspora. 

Minister Theodoros Livanios meets Dimitra Skalkos to discuss Gov.gr and diaspora voting

Greece’s Minister of the Interior, Theodoros Livanios, met in Athens with The Greek Herald Publisher, Dimitra Skalkos.

You May Also Like

Thanasi Kokkinakis up for ATP Comeback Player of the Year award

Kokkinakis recently made the ATP Challenger finals after spending a year on hiatus in 2020 as he recovered from a right shoulder injury.

Greek-Australians celebrated on Australia Day Honours List 2020

On January 26th, Australia Day, the country honours the citizens who have greatly contributed to and served the country. A number of Greek-Australians were...

“Non-essential” mass gatherings banned Australia-wide

“Non-essential” organised mass gatherings of more than 500 people will be banned across Australia from Monday in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus.