Despite the heat, thousands turned up at Carss Bush Park in Sydney’s south on Sunday, January 7 to witness as the Blessing of the Waters ceremony took place in the Georges River for the first time.

The ceremony was organised at Carss Park by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) instead of Yarra Bay this year – a move which broke with decades of tradition and received mixed reactions on Sunday.

Archbishop Makarios of Australia presided over the Blessing of the Waters ceremony as dozens young males attempted to retrieve the Holy Cross from the river. Low tides made the dive difficult, with some left feeling disappointed.

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Nevertheless, a worthy victor was crowned – Michael Solidakis, a parishioner from the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Kogarah. All the dive participants congratulated Mr Solidakis on his victory and wished him good luck for the year ahead. He was also awarded a gold cross by the Archbishop.

Following the Blessing of the Waters ceremony, Archbishop Makarios addressed the crowd and spoke about the importance of renewal in the New Year.

“As we reflect on the past year, we reflect on the highs and the lows, the pain and triumphs, the struggles and the consolations. And as we look to the future, we make new resolutions for the year ahead. We set goals and consider how we will achieve them,” the Archbishop said.

“As you make your new year resolution, I encourage you to make this your primary resolution, ‘to renew your commitment to Christ’.”

The Epiphany Greek Festival followed the Blessing of the Waters ceremony. The event included a rich traditional music and dance program, as well as over 60 stalls offering a wide array of traditional Greek food, sweets, products and services. There were also rides and activities for children.

In terms of entertainment, the day featured a live performance from Greek singer Stella Konitopoulou and her band direct from Greece, music by Tommy Tsonis on bouzouki, Theo Skaltas on klarino, and Nikita Ellenis.

A number of dance groups from across Sydney also performed traditional Greek dances throughout the day.

Among the dignitaries present were the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis; the Deputy Head of Mission at the Cyprus High Commission, Stavros Nicolaou; Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis; Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia; the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper MP; the NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis MP; the NSW Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Natalie Ward MLC; the Mayor of Georges River Council, Cr. Sam Elmir; and the President of the Greek Festival of Sydney, Nia Karteris.

By Evelyn Karatzas and Andriana Simos.

Greek communities in Tasmania, Queensland, Wollongong, Batemans Bay and Jervis Bay, all enjoyed Epiphany Day celebrations over the January 6 – 7 weekend this year.

Batemans Bay

In Batemans Bay, a church service took place at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint John the Baptist, combining the celebration of Epiphany Day and St John’s feast day.

Around 300 people later attended the Blessing of the Water ceremony, which was followed by a BBQ at the St John the Baptist church hall.

In attendance was Father Iakovos, Father Platon, Father Kyriacou, as well as Sid Pascalidis, President of Greek Orthodox Community of Batemans Bay, and the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, George Papacostas.

Jervis Bay

In Jervis Bay, an Epiphany Feast Day took place at the Church of Saint John. Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis visited the NSW South Coast for the celebrations.

Bishop Bartholomew presided over a Matins and Divine Liturgy, and conducted the Blessing of the Waters at the church over the weekend.

This year’s winner of the Holy Cross was Nicolas Bris from the Parish-Community of Saint Ioannis in Parramatta, Sydney. He received blessings from Bishop Bartholomew, a cross to take home and an icon of Christ.

All divers also received Epiphany t-shirts with a logo commemorating the 100 years of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA).

Wollongong

In Wollongong, NSW, 24-year-old Ross Tzotzis retrieved the Holy Cross after a traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony was held at Wollongong beach on Sunday, January 7.

In a statement to The Greek Herald, Ross said this was the second time he had retrieved the cross.

“It feels good,” he said. “I was a bit nervous on the jetty there, but I just got into the zone.”

He said he continues to partake in the religious occasion because “it is an important tradition and good luck for the year ahead.”

“It’s all part of the Greek heritage,” Ross added with a smile, before posing for a photograph with his family, including his proud grandparents.

Tasmania

The annual Blessing of the Waters in Tasmania was held at Nutgrove Beach, Sandy Bay, Hobart, on Sunday, January 7.

Approximately 250 members of the Greek Community of Hobart and Launceston attended the celebration and this year’s successful participant in securing the Holy Cross was Yanni Anagnostis.

After the event, a BBQ lunch was prepared by the Executive Committee of the Greek Community of Tasmania, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Queensland

In Queensland, the Epiphany Day celebrations took place in both West Queensland at Saint Anna Greek Orthodox Church, and Far North Queensland in Innisfail.

In the city of Bundall, the Divine Liturgy at Saint Anna was presided by Bishop Emilianos of Meloa and Father Romanos Stergiou.

Following this, a lunch and Epiphany Festival took place at Evandale Park in Surfers Paradise where members of the Greek community came together to celebrate.

The Epiphany Day celebrations in Innisfail involved a full church service in the morning at The Dormition of our Lady, followed by the throwing of the Holy Cross.

Greek community member, Jacob won the cross for 2024.