EPIPHANY: THE BLESSING OF THE WATERS
by Gary Van Haas
The Greek Festival of Epiphany, or 'The Blessing of the Waters', is held every year on
January 6 throughout all of Greece. This is the special occasion when many daring young
Greek men brave the chilly waters to dive for a cross after it has been blessed by a
priest and thrown into the water. For his gallantry, the first man who recovers the cross
is said to have good luck throughout the coming year. The day long festival also features
the blessing of small boats and ships, and later on affords entertainment, music, dancing
and food to all those present.
But Epiphany is not just a Greek event, it is also celebrated around the world on
January 6 by the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches as well. In Tarpon Springs, Florida
for instance, this particular event is held in high regard and has become a world class
tourist attraction, which draws more than 40,000 visitors a year. Of course, Tarpon
Springs has never looked like a typical Florida community to begin with and it probably
never will. As one strolls along Dodecanese Boulevard, it tricks one's senses as the aroma
of freshly baked Greek pastries and festive Greek melodies fill the air. Fishermen,
shopkeepers and other businessmen exchange greetings in Greek. No need to double check
your passport, this is Florida, even though one has the impression of strolling through a
seaside Mediterranean village on the Greek islands.
The Epiphany festival is said to have originated in the Eastern Orthodox Church, where
it is also still recognized as the anniversary of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the
Western churches. Epiphany principally commemorates the revelation to the Gentiles of
Jesus Christ as the Savior, as portrayed by the coming of the Three Wise Men. Most of the
major festivities of Epiphany in Greece are held in the large Athens port of Piraeus,
however, activities are also held in many towns and villages throughout Greece.
