Grand celebrations expected for the Central Blessing of the Waters in Melbourne and Sydney
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
The Holy Epiphany was celebrated across Australia on Tuesday in the presence of thousands of Orthodox Christians and under particularly high temperatures, with the Greek community turning out in large numbers to take part in the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremonies.
In Melbourne, services were held at various beaches across the greater metropolitan area, with worshippers of all ages arriving early to watch the immersion of the Holy Cross and to honour one of the most significant feasts of Orthodoxy. Detailed reports and extensive photographic coverage from the individual ceremonies are featured on Neos Kosmos.
The central Blessing of the Waters for Melbourne, however, will take place on Sunday, 11 January, at the historic Princes Pier in Port Melbourne.
As Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne told Neos Kosmos, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia extends an open invitation to all to attend the 43rd Annual Blessing of the Waters and Immersion of the Holy Cross, to be held from 12pm to 5pm.
Following the conclusion of the religious service, a traditional Greek festival will take place, featuring music, dance and flavours of Greek cuisine, creating a festive and family-friendly atmosphere by the sea.
A similarly celebratory atmosphere is expected in Sydney, where the Greek Epiphany Festival will be held on the same day at Carss Bush Park. The all-day event will include an array of Greek food, live music, traditional dancing and activities for both children and adults.
Organised by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, the festival has become one of southern Sydney’s most significant summer events, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year to the waterfront setting of Carss Park and highlighting the vitality and cohesion of the Greek community.
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