Greek Orthodox people celebrated the Epiphany across Greece over the weekend with a number of traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremonies.
This was the first year the Epiphany was held without COVID-19 restrictions, with the last two years seeing celebrations cancelled or scaled back as Greece struggled with a huge surge in COVID-19 infections.
In the Greek city of Thessaloniki, the unseasonably warm weather helped bring out the crowds for the outdoor celebrations. The man who retrieved the cross told local media he had been trying to do so since 1996, missing only two occasions.
H σημερινή μέρα φέρνει το μήνυμα της νίκης του φωτός ενάντια στο σκότος. Φως που επιζητεί ο σύγχρονος άνθρωπος για να καταυγάσει με ελπίδα την καρδιά του, ειδικά στις δύσκολες στιγμές. Γιορτάζοντας τα Θεοφάνεια στην ακριτική Λήμνο, εύχομαι σε όλους χρόνια πολλά και καλή φώτιση. pic.twitter.com/4SOTVTfDTL
“This day brings the message of the victory of light against darkness. Light that modern man seeks to flood his heart with hope, especially in difficult times,” Sakellaropoulou said on the day.
“Celebrating the Epiphany in the insular bastion of Hellenism in the Aegean, the island of Lemnos, I wish everyone enlightenment.”
Elsewhere, the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, attended Epiphany celebrations on the Greek island of Gavdros and spoke to the locals.
Με μεγάλη χαρά βρέθηκα σήμερα, αυτήν τη σπουδαία μέρα για την Ορθοδοξία, στη Γαύδο. Παραμένουμε προσηλωμένοι στη στήριξη όλων των ακριτικών περιοχών της πατρίδας μας. Για εμάς δεν υπάρχουν Έλληνες δύο ταχυτήτων.
There was a Cretan dancing extravaganza at the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand’s (CFANZ) dinner dance in Melbourne, Victoria on Friday night.
The dinner dance was part of the 41st Cretan National Convention by the CFANZ and was held at the club hall of the Pancretan Association of Melbourne.
All photos copyright: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
There were hundreds of people in attendance including a number of special guests such as His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopolis representing Archbishop Makarios of Australia; Father George Kanellis representing Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand; the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis; the President of the CFANZ, Tony Tsourdalakis; as well as many other leaders of Cretan and Greek organisations from across Australia and NZ.
The night began with a number of official speeches by the President of the Pancretan Association of Melbourne, Manuel Starakis; Bishop Kyriakos and Father George.
Awards were also given to Cretan musicians, Grigoris Samolis and Stelios Papadakis, who had travelled from Crete for the Convention.
Mr Starakis welcomed everyone to the dinner dance and said he hoped everyone would return to their respective states and countries with “nothing but good things to say about Melbourne.”
Manuel StarakisEmcee.
Bishop Kyriakos and Father George then took to the stage to conduct a blessing and encouraged everyone, especially the youth in attendance, to enjoy the night.
Bishop Kyriakos.Father George.
At the conclusion of these official proceedings, five Cretan dancing groups from across different states and territories in Australia, including Victoria and NSW, performed a number of traditional Cretan dances.
At the end of each group’s performance, dancers were awarded medals from the CFANZ before an obligatory group photo was taken.
The night ended with everyone on the dance floor and mingling with each other.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
The annual Blessing of the Waters ceremony at Frankston, Victoria typically draws five swimmers plunging for the cross, however on Friday there were 22 contenders outstripping previous years. Despite being a weekday, hundreds gathered to partake in the ceremony following two years of COVID-19 restrictions.
According to tradition, the person who manages to swim the fastest to fetch the cross will be blessed for the rest of the year. This time, the honour went to Emmanouil Spyroglou, father of three from Templestowe, whose family originally came to Australia from Kefalonia. “I’m here on holidays,” he said.
Emmanouil Spyroglou caught the cross for the fourth time.
“I’ve done this before many years ago in Port Melbourne. I’ve caught it three times in the past. This is my fourth time.”
The previous archbishop had banned him from swimming for the cross so it had been 15 years since his last attempt. “He had said three times was enough.”
Other contenders were brothers Athan and Harry Maglas from Mount Waverly, aged 16 and 18 respectively, diving for the first time. “We woke up this morning and we thought, ‘Why not!’” Harry said.
Brothers Athan and Harry Maglas, aged 16 and 18 plunged into the waters for the first time.
Athan said it’s a family tradition to head to Frankston for Theofania. “It hasn’t happened in the last couple of years though,” he said, adding that they like coming for a swim because “the water is good in Frankston”.
“It’s nice and clean because it is an open area,” Harry said.
Swimmer Manolis Arabatzis from Seaford was born in Paradisos, Kavala, but grew up in Germany.
Looking around, he said, “Today, I’m reminded of Greece. It’s fully Greece with the pier and the people.”
Manolis Arabatzis from neighbouring Seaford grew up in Germany. He has participated in the race for the cross six times.Manolis Arabatzis
As a Greek, he has found Frankston City to be a hospitable place. “Moving to this area, I was very excited to see the tradition of Theofania being kept. When I lived in Germany we didn’t do this. I have participated around six times,” he said.
Gina Hristidis from Mr Frank’s Café – named after the man who founded Frankston – was at the ceremony as an onlooker with visiting relatives from New York and Toronto. Her family members were originally from Kalamata and Neapoli in the Peloponnese and the island of Chios. With a heritage from coastal Greece, Gina feels very much at home in Frankston.
The Hristidis family had a reunion, Gina runs the local cafe and welcomed relatives from New York and Toronto.
“This event is very important for the Greeks who live in this area,” she said. “We need to make sure our Greek Orthodox faith is kept alive.”
Her relation, Pantelis Hristidis, expressed admiration for Frankston. “It’s absolutely beautiful! You’ve got sun, sea and beautiful homes… and Mr Frank’s Café which we go to all the time!”
Ms Zigouras owns a hobby farm in Langwarrin with Mary, Aphrodite and Kyriaki.
Mary, Aphrodite and Kyriaki – three friends from Endeavour Hills and Glen Waverly – said they come to Theofania at Frankston all the time and enjoy the celebration. “It reminds us of Greece. The promenade is just like Kalamata,” they said, adding that it’s a choice beach for swimming which keeps them coming back for more than just spiritual reasons.
First visit by an Archbishop
Crowds stoically braved the sun and wind, waiting for Archbishop Makarios of Australia. He arrived amid cheers in his first visit to Frankston for Theofania. It is the first time an archbishop has visited the region, and Archbishop Makarios’ last visit to the parish of the Greek Orthodox Church of Holy Epiphany was in August 2022.
Archbishop Makarios amid cheers in his first visit to Frankston for Theofania
“With the opportunity of visiting Melbourne again at the start of this year and being there for the cutting of the Vasilopitta it was only proper to visit the Parish on its Feast Day rather serve at another Parish of Melbourne on 6 January,” Archbishop Makarios said, adding that the 2,000-strong parish has “seen further growth under the guidance of Fr Doukas who has seen the new church built these past years.”
“It is very much a gateway for the many Greek homes along the coast and has for many years conducted the Blessing of the Waters Service on Frankston Pier,” he said.
Father Doukas Georgalas, parish priest for the last 20 years, got his calling to join the clergy when he was aged 65. He could not be happier with the turnout.
“It’s a huge spiritual feast,” he said, “and a great honour for us to welcome all these people to an event of huge theological significance. It’s the Baptism of Jesus, and during the Baptism of the Lord people saw the Holy Trinity and the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in the form of a dove.”
In Greece, Theofania is a public holiday before children return to school from the winter break. It is celebrated by mass, and children sing Epiphany carols door-to-door before divers plunge into frosty waters to retrieve the cross.
In Frankston, there’s no public holiday, but the summer weather and inviting Pier make it a special annual ceremony for the region.
Thousands of people lined the Rye Foreshore in Victoria today as suspended priest, Father Eleftherios Tatsis (Papa Lefteris), conducted the traditional Blessing of the Waters service.
The event began with a small Divine Liturgy presided over by Papa Lefteris to mark the day of the Epiphany.
Divine Liturgy. Photo: The Greek Herald.
Parishioners then moved towards the Rye Foreshore to watch in excitement as many swimmers, young and old, endeavoured to be the first to retrieve the Holy Cross which was thrown into the sea by Papa Lefteris from a nearby boat.
Thousands lined the foreshore. Photos: The Greek Herald.
Ultimately, 20-year-old Lukas Kintidis retrieved the Holy Cross and told The Greek Herald exclusively on the day he was really excited and proud.
“It’s insane. I had no idea I was going to win. I just swam and I looked around and I was ahead of everyone so I just kept going,” Lukas said.
“I’m really proud of my Greek heritage and that’s why I’m here. That’s why I swam for the Holy Cross.”
Papa Lefteris with Lukas. Photo: The Greek Herald.
This Blessing of the Waters ceremony took place despite Papa Lefteris being suspended by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia in October last year.
In a statement at the time, the Archdiocese said the former priest at the Holy Monastery of Panagia Kamariani in Red Hill was “dismissed from his duties.”
“From this point forth [October 5, 2022], every service and every sacrament that possibly may be performed by the said clergyman does not have validity” and is not recognised by the Archdiocese, the statement added.
At today’s Blessing of the Waters, Papa Lefteris again addressed this suspension and said he would continue serving the Greek community because “you are my church.”
Greek Australian, James George Paneras, who plays for Melbourne Victory, has been acquired from Australia to the Athens B professional Football Club (AEK) signing a contract until the end of June 2024.
The 20-year-old played attacking midfielder for the Melbourne team and has previously featured in the Australian U15 team, according to 24happenings.com.
In an announcement from the AEK B, James signed a cooperation contract for a year and a half, which also includes joining the team of the PAE AEK staff.
The AEK wrote in a Twitter post, “Strengthening the midfield with an expatriate from Australia” as they welcomed the Greek Australian player to the 2022-23 season.
The culture and dance of the Greek island of Crete were on proud display at a cocktail party marking the official opening of the Cretan National Convention in Melbourne, Victoria on Thursday night.
The official opening of the Convention, which has been organised by the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand (CFANZ), was held at the Cretan House in East Brunswick and was attended by over 200 guests including a number of officials and VIPs.
Photos: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Among the officials were the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis; Archbishop Makarios of Australia; Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta; the President of the CFANZ, Tony Tsourdalakis; the President of the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and host of the night, Milton Stamatakos; as well as many other delegates of Cretan associations across Australia and New Zealand.
Official guests on the night. Photo: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.More guests on the night. Photos: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Guests mingled amongst themselves at the start of the night and enjoyed finger food, before a number of speeches were given by Archbishop Makarios, Mr Kakavelakis, Mr Tsourdalakis and Mr Stamatakos.
Mr Stamatakos welcomed everyone to the Cretan House and stressed the important role Cretans have in maintaining the culture and traditions of Crete in Australia.
Photos: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Next to speak was Archbishop Makarios who recited two Cretan ‘mantinades’ to the crowd and urged the Cretan community to “always remain united” and honour their parentage.
In his speech, Mr Kakavelakis congratulated the CFANZ and its President for organising a successful National Convention.
There was plenty of youth in attendance at the cocktail party. Photos: The Greek Herald / Georgios Psomiadis.
Last to speak was Mr Tsourdalakis who thanked everyone for attending the official opening and encouraged people to pass on the Cretan culture to the second and third generation. He also confirmed the Executive Committee of the CFANZ would remain in place for a further year.
At the conclusion of these official proceedings, Mr Tsourdalakis presented Archbishop Makarios with two small gifts.
Gift presented by Mr Tsourdalakis to Archbishop Makarios. Photo: The Greek Herald / Georgios Psomiadis.
Young dancing groups from the Cretan Association of Sydney & NSW and the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne then performed a number of dances for guests. Huge applause and cheers resonated across the room as everyone enjoyed watching the youth take pride in their Cretan identity.
The dancing groups. Photos: The Greek Herald / Georgios Psomiadis.
The Cretan Federation of Australia & New Zealand held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, January 5 at the Cretan House in Brunswick, Victoria.
Cretan delegates from across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia and NZ attended the AGM where a number of important issues related to the Cretan community were discussed.
The AGM began with a traditional blessing by His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta, before the President of the Cretan Federation, Tony Tsourdalakis, gave his welcome speech.
During the speech, Mr Tsourdalakis touched on a number of initiatives held by the Cretan Federation in 2022. This included, but is not limited to, the Battle of Crete commemorations; the reestablishment of the Cretan Association in the Northern Territory; the ANZAC Trail in Crete; and the funds raised by the Pancretan Association of Melbourne and the Cretan Federation to go towards rebuilding Cretan towns after an earthquake struck the island in 2021.
The Executive Committee of the Federation. Photo: The Greek Herald.
Following this speech, each delegate from their respective Cretan associations gave an annual report, highlighting events held by their association and what they plan on doing this year to engage with more Cretan youth.
The AGM then turned to a number of other topics including the current Executive Administration of the Cretan Federation. It was unanimously decided that the current executive would remain in their positions for a further year.
Next, a number of questions and concerns were brought up during ‘General Business’ around the funds raised by the Pancretan Association of Melbourne to go towards helping rebuild Crete after the earthquake.
Mr Tsourdalakis giving his welcome speech.
According to Mr Tsourdalakis, the Federation and the Pancretan Association of Melbourne raised a combined total of just under $30,000 during the fundraising campaign. Of this funding, $13,228 was raised by the Pancretan Association of Melbourne with the hopes it would go towards either rebuilding a local school, medical centre or athletics centre on Crete.
The President of the Pancretan Association of Melbourne, Manuel Starakis, also said at the AGM that the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia had pledged $70,000 to the fundraising campaign but this offer was later withdrawn.
Mr Starakis questioned Mr Tsourdalakis about why the offer by the Archdiocese was withdrawn and where the funds that were raised had been distributed.
In response, Mr Tsourdalakis said the funding was given to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Crete and the local Archbishop would announce in the coming weeks where the funds were being distributed.
At the conclusion of these official proceedings, Mr Tsourdalakis exchanged commemorative souvenirs with delegates and a group photo of everyone in attendance was taken.
Nick Kyrgios’ manager, Daniel Horsfall, has confirmed the tennis star will be fit to play at the Australian Open in Melbourne this month despite an ankle injury.
Kyrgios was scheduled to play in Adelaide International but has since withdrawn from the January tournament due to the injury. This comes soon after pulling out of Australia’s United Cup team last Wednesday.
According to ABC news, Kyrgios’s manager said, “A lot of people were upset after he pulled out of the United Cup. We are working every day to make sure we’re ready for the Australian Open.”
“I hope they now realise the injury is genuine,” Mr Horsfall added.
Nick Kyrgios Australia Open 2022
The Adelaide International event organisers were disappointed by the decision. In a statement the organisers wished Kyrgios “the best of luck and a quick recovery” understanding the importance of the Australian Open preparation.
“Injury happens and health is always the priority,” the organisers said according to ABC news.
Nick Kyrgios is expected to defend the men’s doubles title with friend and team mate, Thanasi Kokkinakis, at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne this month.
The former minister served in the right-wing administration of the ruling Democratic Rally (DISY) party until January 2022.
“My candidacy seeks to unite the Cypriot people and not divide it,” Mr Christodoulides said after submitting his candidacy for the Cyprus presidential election in Nicosia.
Candidates running for the presidency have all pledged to push for peace between NATO members Greece and Turkey.
The DISY nominated candidate Averof Neophytou who is closely behind Mr Christodoulides in the polls.
Other candidates include Candidate Andreas Mavroyiannis, an independent backed by the left-wing AKEL party; and Achilleas Demetriades, a lawyer who was instrumental changing anti-gay laws in Cyprus and achieving the first conviction of Turkey for violating the rights of a displaced Greek Cypriot.
Greece will adopt the recent recommendations made by the European Unions on COVID-19 for travellers from China, Ekathimerini has reported.
This comes following a surge in COVID-19 cases in China and after EU officials recommended on Wednesday that passengers flying from China to the EU should have a negative COVID-19 test before they board.
This means that when visiting Greece, travellers from China will in future require pre-departure COVID-19 testing and will be required to wear high-protection face masks.
Greece to follow EU recommendations on COVID-19 for travellers from China.
The rules were agreed at a meeting chaired by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and attended by officials from the Health Ministry, which is expected to make an announcement detailing the new measures.
China plans to ease travel restrictions on January 8, despite a wave of new infections which has left Chinese hospitals and funeral houses overwhelmed.
