Hundreds gather at Swan River for Perth’s annual Epiphany Blessing of the Waters
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
Hundreds gathered along the Swan River in Perth on Sunday, 11 January, for the annual Orthodox Feast of Epiphany, marking one of the most significant religious observances in the Christian calendar.
The service was held at Matilda Bay in Crawley, where calm waters and clear conditions provided the setting for the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony. His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth presided over the service, leading prayers before blessing the river.
This year’s celebrations were joined by His Grace Bishop Prodromos of the Holy Diocese of Toliara and Southern Madagascar, whose presence was noted as a special moment for the local Orthodox community.
Around 30 young people took part in the traditional swim for the Holy Cross, entering the Swan River following the blessing. Harry Stefanatos retrieved the Cross, drawing applause from the crowd. He was later presented with a gold cross and chain, donated by the Gogos family, who have continued the tradition of donating the Cross for 47 years.
Organisers estimated the crowd at between 800 and 1,000 people, highlighting the strong turnout and continued significance of the Epiphany celebrations for Perth’s Orthodox community.
Among those in attendance were the Consul of Greece in Perth, Eleni Georgopoulou; President of the Hellenic Community of Western Australia Paul Afkos; President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Western Australia Gabriel Kafetzis; and WA Labor State Member for Mount Lawley Frank Paolino.
Before the service began, Bishop Elpidios read a message from His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who addressed the young participants who swam for the Cross.
“To the young people who swim for the Cross: you are showing courage, strength, and faith.”
“But remember this: the real victory is not who reaches the Cross first. The real victory is to keep Christ at the centre of your life.”
Following the ceremony, families remained at the site, with food and refreshments available, contributing to a relaxed and communal atmosphere along the river.
Bishop Elpidios later thanked Fr Terry Gerovasilis, parish priest of Saints Constantine and Helene in Northbridge, for his role in organising the event, along with the organising committee and volunteers who assisted on the day.
The Perth Epiphany celebrations once again brought together faith, tradition and community, continuing a longstanding religious observance for Orthodox Christians in Western Australia.
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