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

Consul General of Greece in Adelaide visits Darwin delivering annual Aristotle Oration

Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou, the Consul-General of Greece in Adelaide, visited Darwin at Charles Darwin University (CDU).

Labor pledges $4.5 million for Greek cultural hub in Oakleigh

A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will commit $4.5 million to construct a Greek cultural hub in the heart of Greek Australia – Oakleigh.

Celebrating excellence in Modern Greek Studies at the University of Sydney

The University of Sydney’s School of Languages and Cultures held its annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 3.

Angela Antartis awaits sentencing for violent hostage attack in Adelaide

Angela Antartis, 26, is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to her role in a brutal hostage attack in January 2023.

Zionist Federation of Australia takes legal action against journalist Mary Kostakidis

The Zionist Federation of Australia has filed a legal complaint against Australian journalist Mary Kostakidis, accusing her of antisemitism.

You May Also Like

Greek voice silenced in Canterbury as George Houssos’ council ballot victory overturned

There will be no Greek voice in the Canterbury-Bankstown Council elections after George Houssos' preselection ballot victory was overturned.

The ‘forgotten Anzacs’ of the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign

To mark the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Crete, The Greek Herald has decided to showcase the bravery of two of these ‘forgotten Anzacs.’

Cyprus Community of NSW Dance School on a mission to preserve Cypriot culture

Nelly Klavdiou's passion for Greek and Cypriot dance has been a lifelong journey, rooted in her early experiences and cultural heritage.