Thousands gathered in Piraeus for the Epiphany celebration. Credit: AMNA/Giorgos Vitsaras
The Feast of the Epiphany was celebrated with traditional splendor across Greece today, marked by the Blessing of the Waters and the diving for the Holy Cross in the nation’s major ports.
Piraeus: The center of Epiphany celebration in Greece
In Piraeus, the country’s largest port, the ceremony was led by Ieronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece. The day began with a festive Divine Liturgy at the Holy Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, officiated by Metropolitan Seraphim of Piraeus.
Following the liturgy, the official Blessing of the Waters took place at the pier opposite the Church of Saint Spyridon. This year, the Holy Cross was retrieved from the sea by Panagiotis Goras, who shared a message of unity, saying, “I wish for the whole world to be united in love.”
The President of the Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, attended the ceremony, noting the symbolic importance of the day:
“We celebrate the ‘all-bright’ Epiphany here in our country’s largest port to partake in the light and truth we so dearly need. This light can guide us forward with confidence, transforming into personal and collective strength.”
Thessaloniki: A display of bravery
Swimmers in a race to retrieve the Holy Cross in Thessaloniki. Credit: AMNA
In Thessaloniki, the ceremony was held at Pier A of the city’s harbor. Despite the cold, 56 brave swimmers of all ages leapt from boats into the Thermaic Gulf to retrieve the Cross. Among them, 23-year-old Stergios Pagonidis emerged from the waters with the Cross, greeted by the cheers of thousands of faithful lining the waterfront.
Epiphany is one of the most important Christian feasts of the year, commemorating the revelation of Jesus Christ as God. It is also known as “Theophany”; both terms come from Greek, with “Epiphany” (Επιφάνεια / epipháneia) meaning “revelation” and “Theophany” (Θεοφάνεια / Theopháneia) meaning “the revelation of God.”
Related: Epiphany: One of Christianity’s Most Important Feasts