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.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Summer soundtrack: The ultimate guide to Greek concerts and festivals in 2025

Wherever you are in the country, The Greek Herald has the inside scoop on must-see performances to catch during your summer escape.

Michael Zannis: The Greek Aussie cricket star redefining blindness

Michael Zannis has turned his ‘disability’ into his superpower. He lives as everyone else does and is thriving.

Greek olive oil today: Production, use and export data

Greek olive oil is consumed in large quantities in Greece today. Still, the small population leaves plenty of oil for export.

Greece ranks fifth highest in Europe for short-term rental prices

Greece has become the fifth most expensive destination in Europe for short-term rentals, with the average nightly rate reaching 250 euros.

Greece cracks down on beach violations amid thousands of complaints

Greek authorities are intensifying efforts to combat illegal beach occupation and protect public access to the coastline.

You May Also Like

Tennis star Andriana Petrakis wins Young Achiever Woman of the Year scholarship

Rising tennis star Andriana Petrakis has been awarded The Advertiser Foundation’s $10,000 Young Achiever Woman of the Year Scholarship.

Hollywood actor George Clooney: ‘The Parthenon Marbles will return to Greece’

With an impressive tally of 67 film awards and 122 nominations, George Clooney embodies Hollywood stardom.

Remembering Greek theatre legend: Orestis Makris

Makris was one of the most recognisable Greek theatre performers in the early 20th century known for his cinematic and silver screen roles