The annual Blessing of the Waters and Diving for the Holy Cross ceremony unfolded on Sunday, January 7, at Carss Bush Park in Sydney. The event drew the active participation of all Greek Orthodox Parishes and Communities in the capital of New South Wales.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia presided over the ceremony, who blessed the waters of the Pacific Ocean, in the presence of thousands of Greek Australians and a large number of representatives of Greek Australian organizations, and the Australian political leadership.
Dozens of believers dived into the sea to retrive the Holy Cross and receive the blessing of the Archbishop. The Cross was retrieved by Michael Solidakis from the Parish–Community of the Resurrection of Christ in Kogarah.
After the ceremony, the Greek Epiphany Feast unfolded, meticulously organized by the Holy Archdiocese of Australia, featuring a vibrant program of music and dance, accompanied by traditional Greek dishes. In his opening address, Archbishop Makarios welcomed everyone to an event that, as he stressed, reflected the rich cultural heritage, the Orthodox faith, and the inseparable bonds of unity of the Greek Diaspora.
In reference to the Feast of the Holy Epiphany and the preceding Blessing of the Waters ceremony, the Archbishop remarked, “Through His revelation, Christ blessed not only the waters but all of humankind. All creation. The whole universe.
Hence, as an extension of the significant Blessing of the Waters ceremony, this Festival is not just a commemoration of our Greek identity but also a testament to the enduring strength of our Orthodox faith. It serves as the “key” to our resilience and inspiration for preserving the traditional values that have sustained us for generations. Quite simply, it is the cornerstone on which we have built our lives.”
In addition, the Archbishop made special reference to the effective integration of the Greek Diaspora into the wider Australian society, pointing out that Greek culture, the Orthodox faith, and Greek Orthodox traditions were an integral part of the multicultural mosaic of Australian culture.
Finally, he emphasized that the Epiphany celebration, marked by the active participation of expatriates, transcends a temporary gathering of individuals. Instead, it reaffirms the enduring spirit of unity that characterizes both Orthodoxy and the Greek community in the heart of Australia. “It serves as a reminder that our identity is not shaped by challenges but by our capacity to overcome them,” he expressed.
In conclusion, Archbishop Makarios extended his gratitude to the organizers for their extensive and diligent efforts, acknowledging the sponsors, benefactors, and donors for their crucial contribution to the success of the Greek Feast of the Epiphany. He also thanked all those present for their participation, including Bishops Iakovos of Militoupolis and Christodoulos of Magnesia, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper, the NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, and Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis, the Deputy Opposition Leader Natalie Ward, the Mayor of Georges River Council, Sam Elmir, and the President of the Greek Festival of Sydney, Nia Karteri.
Translated by Thanos Chrysanthopoulos