Worldwide celebrations commence as the Theophania begins

·

The Theophania, or “Epiphany”, is celebrated on January 6 every year and commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ through a day of celebration and festivities. The Theophania, meaning “Christ shining through”, is one of the most meaningful celebrations for the Greek Orthodox Church, ranked third behind only Easter and Pentecost.

In Australia, various activities and food celebrations are on display during the Theophania, including food stalls selling souvlaki, loukoumades and baklava. Thousands will flock to numerous locations across Australia, with some of the main ones being the Epiphany day (Theofania) celebration in Frankston, Melbourne, and the Epiphany Greek Festival in Yarra Bay, Sydney.

The main event is comprised of the throwing of the cross, by which a holy cross is thrown into any water basin, varying from seas to rivers, lakes, and even fountains. After a priest throws the cross, men plunge into the water to grab hold of it and try to outrace each other. Whoever succeeds in reaching the cross first and bringing it out is believed to be blessed with good luck. The festival marks the 12th day of Christmas celebration and is considered one of the ​most important religious festivals.

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

‘A proud showcase of faith and culture’: Parramatta prepares for Let’s Go Greek Festival

Parramatta is set to come alive on September 21, when the Let’s Go Greek Festival returns to the grounds of St Ioannis Greek Orthodox Church.

Women & Hellenism Reunion strengthens global bonds in Ioannina

Delegates from Australia, the USA, the UK, and Greece gathered in Ioannina this past weekend for the first Women & Hellenism Reunion. 

Tensions at Victoria’s Greek Elderly Federation meeting prompt interim board

The Federation of Greek Elderly Citizen Clubs of Melbourne and Victoria has appointed a provisional board after a tense meeting.

Greek Australians confront generational trauma and mental health this R U OK? Day

R U OK? Day is held annually on the second Thursday of September and falls on September 11 this year in 2025.

Award-winning features at the 30th Greek Film Festival in Melbourne

This year’s 30th Greek Film Festival features acclaimed award-winning films, including A Touch of Spice, Dogtooth, Rembetiko, Roza of Smyrna.

You May Also Like

Melbourne’s Greek community come together to help those fighting the fires in Greece

Melbourne's Greek community has come together to help those fighting the fires in Greece over the last few weeks.

Loukoumades, music and dancing galore at the Canberra Greek Glendi

The centre of Canberra became a kaleidoscope of colour as the world's cultures came together for the National Multicultural Festival.

Third suspect linked to Athens bombing arrested as minister warns of rising extremism

Greek police apprehended a third individual on Monday, October 4 connected to last week’s explosion in central Athens.