Theofania Festival was organised under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and was held on January the 8th at Station Pier Port Melbourne. It was an exciting and colourful festival full of tradition and cultural festivities.
The ceremony of Theofania involves customs such as the blessing of the waters. Moreover, the Bishop throws the traditional blessed wooden Cross into the sea. Young people then dive into the sea in an attempt to retrieve the Cross. It is a traditional belief that whoever retrieves the Cross receives God’s blessings. The successful diver also receives a golden chain with a crucifix from the Archdiocese to commemorate the event.
After the religious ceremony, the festivities include traditional food, music and folk dancing, which took place on centre stage. There were also activities for both children and adults.
This year the event saw crowds of up to 5,000 observers show up. Melburnians enjoyed the cultural festivities of the day.
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