The Epiphany, marked by the Blessing of the Waters in Greece, was celebrated with great splendor throughout the country and through a range of traditions by Christians in far corners of the globe on January 6.
Whether in Greece, Kyiv or beyond, religious and political figures marked the day with messages of hope, unity, and spiritual renewal during these increasingly troubled times.
The Epiphany
The Epiphany is celebrated by several Christian demonimations throughout the world, although the date, focus and traditions vary.
In the Greek Orthodox religion, the Epiphany primarily commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan river by John the Baptist, and is also seen as the revelation of the Holy Trinity.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I leads Epiphany Service at the Patriarchal Church of St. George in Istanbul, Turkey January 6, 2025. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
In the Roman Catholic religion, the Epiphany marks the visit of the Three Wise Men (Magi) to the infant Jesus, symbolizing the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles.
Pope Francis kisses a baby Jesus figurine, on the day of a Mass for the Feast of Epiphany, in Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, January 6, 2025. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
Epiphany Celebrations Throughout Greece
Image from Argolida on the Epiphany. Image by Vasilis Papadopoulos/ Eurokinissi
President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, attended the celebrations in Kilkis, where she participated in the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Metropolitan Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior, and later visited Lake Doirani for the Blessing of the Waters ceremony.
In her statement, the President said:
“Today, we celebrate the baptism of Christ, a radiant festival whose profound symbolism heralds and promises spiritual and moral renewal. From Kilkis, I am wishing that the light of love and peace dispels the darkness threatening humanity, and that it may touch all our hearts. Have a wonderful Epiphany and may we all be enlightened.”
Ephiphany celebration with President of Greece Katerina Sakellaropoulou (EUROKINISSI)
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defense, Nikos Dendias was on Chios island in observation of the Epiphany celebrations on the island.
Minister of Defense Nikos Dendias on the island of Chios. EUROKINISSI
Athens: Epiphany at the Reservoir with Prime Minister Mitsotakis
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, several ministers, MPs, and representatives of the political and military leadership attended the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Dionysios Areopagite and the Blessing of the Waters at the Athens Reservoir.
“The sunlit Greece celebrates Epiphany with grandeur, drawing strength and hope from its message,” Prime Minister Mitsotakis remarked after the ceremony.
Piraeus: Grand Ceremony at the Port
Orthodox faithful Markos Anastasopoulos, 25, raises a wooden cross during Epiphany day celebrations in Thessaloniki, Greece, January 6, 2025. REUTERS/Alexandros Avramidis
Orthodox faithful attend Epiphany day celebrations in Piraeus, Greece, January 6, 2025. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis
The Epiphany celebrations in Piraeus were marked by the Blessing of the Waters, led by Archbishop Ieronymos of Greece. Following the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Holy Trinity, the Archbishop cast the Holy Cross into the port’s waters.
Prominent attendees included Piraeus Mayor Yiannis Moralis, Attica Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias, SYRIZA leader Sokratis Famellos, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, and U.S. Ambassador George Tsunis.
Members of the Greek Frogmen Association dived into the icy waters, with a retired naval commando successfully retrieving the Holy Cross.
Thessaloniki: Tensions Diving for the Cross
At Thessaloniki’s first pier, a planned dive for an 11-year-old boy to retrieve the Cross turned dramatic when a 25-year-old man unexpectedly dived and claimed it. The diver later handed the Cross to the boy, expressing ignorance of prior arrangements.
Zakynthos: Unique Blessing of the Waters
In Zakynthos, the local tradition avoids throwing the Cross into the sea. Instead, it is attached to a staff and symbolically dipped by the Bishop. This custom remains intact despite past attempts to alter it, reflecting the island’s unique cultural heritage.
Ioannina: A 12-Year-Old Girl Retrieves the Cross
In Ioannina, the Blessing of the Waters at Lake Pamvotida was celebrated with solemnity. A 12-year-old girl successfully retrieved the Cross amidst an impressive scene of boats and spectators.
Evia: A Brave 10-Year-Old Student Dives for the Cross
In Almyropotamos, Evia, two courageous students dived into the icy waters, with a junior high school student named Nikos successfully retrieving the Cross.
From urban centers to remote corners of Greece, the Epiphany remains a significant religious and cultural celebration, uniting communities in joy and reverence.
Epiphany Celebrations Throughout the World
Men sing and dance in river water during a celebration of Epiphany Day in Elin Pelin, Bulgaria, January 6, 2025. REUTERS/Spasiyana Sergieva
Greek Orthodox faithfuls retrieve a wooden crucifix as they swim in the Golden Horn during Epiphany day celebrations in Istanbul, Turkey, January 6, 2025. REUTERS/Umit Bektas TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Participants pose as they take part in the traditional Three Kings swim to celebrate Epiphany at the Vltava River in Prague, Czech Republic, January 6, 2025. REUTERS/Eva Korinkova
A man takes a dip in icy waters during the Epiphany celebration, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, January 6, 2025. REUTERS/Alina Smutko
