Blessing the Waters
Today, January 6, was a major religious festival in Greece and other orthodox countries, the feast of Epiphany (Theofania in Greek). It commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan.
After the Divine Liturgy in Church, the priests and congregation proceed to the nearest body of water, in this case Glyfada Beach, and proceed to bless the waters, finishing off by casting a cross into the water which is retrieved by swimmers who brave the cold waters. The one who retrieves the cross is especially blessed. Large numbers of people gather to witness the event, which is usually followed by a leisurely seafood meal in a nearby fish taverna.
Blessing the Waters
Today, January 6, was a major religious festival in Greece and other orthodox countries, the feast of Epiphany (Theofania in Greek). It commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan.
After the Divine Liturgy in Church, the priests and congregation proceed to the nearest body of water, in this case Glyfada Beach, and proceed to bless the waters, finishing off by casting a cross into the water which is retrieved by swimmers who brave the cold waters. The one who retrieves the cross is especially blessed. Large numbers of people gather to witness the event, which is usually followed by a leisurely seafood meal in a nearby fish taverna.