President Nikos Christodoulides participated in the ceremonial blessing of the waters and the diving for the Holy Cross at Ayia Napa harbour on Monday, marking the celebration of Epiphany.
After the ceremony, the president addressed the gathered faithful, saying, “Let us wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. May we do everything possible to celebrate next year’s Epiphany in free Famagusta. Best wishes to all.”
Christodoulides, alongside Archbishop Georgios and Ayia Napa mayor Christos Zannettou, awarded the swimmers who participated in the diving ceremony. This year, over 35 people braved the cold waters to retrieve the cross, including an eight-year-old boy and a 65-year-old man. The young boy noted it was his first time diving for the cross.
Andreas Stavrou, 35, was the first to retrieve the cross and was honoured with a gold cross and chain. In his remarks, he expressed his joy and wished for health and happiness for all, saying, “May God enlighten everyone and give us strength for the year ahead.” The second and third participants to retrieve the cross received white gold crosses.
The ceremony began with the Divine Liturgy at the church of Panayia in Ayia Napa, attended by President Christodoulides, First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, House president Annita Demetriou, and Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades. The Archbishop officiated the service, joined by Metropolitan Vasilios of Constantia-Famagusta and other clergy.
The celebration included a traditional procession accompanied by the military and police philharmonic bands, which concluded at Ayia Napa harbour for the blessing of the waters. White doves were released during the ceremony.
Mayor Zannettou presented the president with a commemorative icon of Panayia of Ayia Napa on behalf of the municipality. In his address, Zannettou echoed the president’s wishes, expressing hope for the resumption of talks for resolving the Cyprus issue and celebrating Epiphany in free Famagusta next year.
Meanwhile, cultural celebrations continued at the harbour with traditional Cypriot dances and music performed by the Ayia Napa Dance Group and the “Kimon” Dance Ensemble of Xylotymbou.
In the north, Bishop of Karpasia Christoforos officiated a service in Ayia Triada, Karpass peninsula, before blessing the waters at the creek of Ayios Thyrsos.
Epiphany commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan by St John the Baptist. The blessing of the waters, whether in rivers, lakes, or seas, is a central tradition, symbolising purification and renewal.
Click here to change your cookie preferences